TITLE:
Gift Shaku (U18 open), Ofana Tema (U16 open), Lynette Helder (U20 girls), Kgotso Mashapa (U18 open), Mark Maroba (U18 open), with their coach Ncedo Buthelezi.
Five players from Kwa-Thema proudly represented Gauteng at the Mzansi Inter-Provincial Youth Chess Championship (MIYCC), held at the Sun Boardwalk Hotel in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, from December 15 to 20.The prestigious tournament, hosted under the auspices of Chess South Africa, brought together youth chess players from all nine provinces to compete at national level.Leading the Kwa-Thema contingent was Mark Maroba, who delivered an outstanding performance by tying for first place in the U18 open individuals section out of 85 participants.Ofana Tema and Kgotso Mashapa also impressed, finishing tied for 10th place in the same division.Lynette Helder and Gift Shaku narrowly missed out on Top Ten finishes, each ending the championship just one point short in their respective individual sections.
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The Gauteng U18 open team also won first place in their age group. The U16 open team placed fourth.Coach Ncedo Buthelezi praised the players’ resilience and commitment, especially given the challenges faced during the tournament.“The championship was really challenging. Before each round, I had to video-call the players to prepare them for the upcoming games since I was not physically present at the venue,” said Buthelezi.“They have certainly left their mark against the best youth players in the country. I am very proud of them.”
TITLE: Mzansi Inter-Provincial Youth Chess Championship
CAPTION: Players who formed part of the Gauteng chess team. They were selected because they are placed in the top ranks of the Ekurhuleni region in their respective age groups
PHOTO CRED: Supllied
DSCRIPTION: Group of chess players
TITLE: Mzansi Inter-Provincial Youth Chess Championship
CAPTION: Lynette Helder formed part of the U20 girls’ team, which achieved first place.
PHOTO CRED: Supplied
DESCRIPTION: Young woman with trophy in hand
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