Checkmating their way to glory
It is an inspiration to the kids just to see the trophy
Building up to the Johannesburg Metro Chess Tournament, the Knight Riders Chess Club (KRCC) of Diepkloof has been collecting trophies and medals.`
The coach for the chess club, Linda Makhubela took part in the tournament as well and his performance saw him win 4 games out of 5, finishing at number one, bagging a trophy for the team.
Makhubela said, “I was happy to play and I’m delighted that I was able to lead the team by a good example. It is an inspiration to the kids for them to just see the trophy.”
The tournaments are a momentum builder for the club which will be taking part in the chess national tournament in December; the club has earned a spot at the nationals after the players competed in four different tournaments.
KRCC coach Linda Makhubela said, “The juniors can compete and play and have had the privilege to compete with chess players from all over the country.”
He said he started the club to keep the juniors occupied and help them improve their school work because chess elevates concentration and strategies. As a result, his club has played in various competitions held in various provinces like North Cape and KwaZulu Natal and the coach has travelled to as far as India.
While preparing for the nationals, Kgothatso Moloi always goes to the Multipurpose Community Hall in Diepkloof where they practice with the other players, he also played and came out 3rd place after he lost only one game out of five games.
Moloi said, “I was disappointed with my performance because I aimed at winning all my games.”
Nosipho Chauke lost two games out of five and the young Nobuhle Mkhasibe (6) only won one game and drew 1. Mkhasibe said, “I would’ve preferred to win all my games.”
Makhubela said, “We have two U8 girls in the team who have been playing for almost seven months and I can already tell that they will be fine in two years.”
The coach admitted that the experience of travelling with the club has been a very enlightening one.
The club is in need of sponsorship to help them maintain the club and ensure that the kids always get to the tournaments and return safely and on time.
People who are interested in the game of chess and would like to know more or lend a hand can call 078 734 4018.
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