The young chess master Imkhitha Joya (15) from Crossroads has put her name on the map as the new champion of the South African Chess Open 2026. The tournament, which ran from Saturday 27 June to Sunday 5 July, was hosted by the Western Cape Chess Association at DF Malan Akademie High School in Bellville.

Coach’s reaction

Her coach, Thando Hlakula, said the win had come as a surprise, totally unexpected, because she was participating in the senior division.

“Joya caught us by surprise. She topped her group. She was playing with the seniors, not with her age group. It was her first time participating in that group.” He described Joya as an inspiration to other children because she was playing her part in rewriting history.

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“Persistence and hard work are what keep her going. Her background doesn’t determine her future. Imagine a child from the dusty streets of Crossroads becoming champion of the SA Chess Open 2026. The future is bright for her.”

Funding challenges

He said the main challenge for their Crossroads Chess Club over time had been funding, and appealed to any generous individual or business to come on board as a sponsor.

Joya in her own words

“I didn’t expect much when I was going to the tournament,” Joya said. “I went there to have fun. But I was focused throughout the game. Of nine rounds I lost only one.”

She said she was proud of her achievement, having worked very hard for it, adding that the secret to success is hard work and staying focused at all times.