The shy grade 10 pupil, known to his schoolmates as the ‘Chess Master’, will represent the country in the championships taking place in Kenya. He is leaving the country on August 10.
The tourney takes place from August 11 until 18. He expected back home on August 19.
In July, Banele performed well in the Malalane Open and the Lowveld Chess Tournament. He won gold at both events.
“I will definitely bring back the gold from Kenya,” he said.
Banele’s passion for chess began while he was still a little boy. His brother, Senzo Ngwamba introduced him to this mind game.
He started playing tournaments in 2011. He joined Msogwaba Chess Club in 2013. He has since played and won a number of tournaments.
He has been to the South African Junior Chess Championships, SA National Chess Championships and the African Chess Championships in Egypt.
“The sport taught me that each action I take has consequences, hence I have to think before making any move. It taught me to think ahead,” he said.
His goal is to be a grandmaster in the future.
The chairperson of Ehlanzeni District Chess committee, Macaleni Mkhonta, who is a teacher at Lihawu, wished Banele well on his journey. “We are proud to have a learner who understands chess from our school to represent the country. We wish other learners could emulate him. The school supports his talent. We also have a chess club as one of the extramural activities in the school,” he said.
Eddie Bhila, his coach said, “We are confident he will bring back the gold from Kenya. We also thank those who believed in Banele’s talent for having paid for his ticket. His accommodation and catering is sponsored by Chess South Africa,” he said.
Eddie also called on interested stakeholders to come on board in sponsoring individual talented sports people from the province.
“Banele will still need sponsorship to participate in the World Youth Chess Championships from October 19 in Greece,” he said.
