CAPE TOWN – Six young chess players from Masiphumelele recently proved their mettle at this year’s the Metro Schools Chess Tournament after the District South trials with one learner earning his place in the next round.
The tournament was held at Hottentots Holland High School.
Two of the players represented Ukhanyo Primary School in the under-13 division, while four players from Masiphumelele High School competed in the under-15 and under-17 sections.
The level of competition was very strong, with only the top 25 players in each age group qualifying for the next stage.
Some of the chess players represented MasiSports, a Cape Town-based non-profit organisation (NPO).
They provide comprehensive sports and life-skills programmes to schools in Masiphumelele, specifically Ukhanyo Primary and Masi High School.
The tournament featured strong competition, with only the top 25 players in each age group qualifying for the next stage, said MasiSports spokesperson Bridget Brooke.
“Although five of our boys did not make the top 25, most finishing with under 3 points, they showed determination and gained valuable experience from the tournament,” she said.
However, a star player rose amongst his MasiSports peers.
The boys also enjoyed their overnight stay in Strand, which gave them time to bond and relax after the games.
However, a star player rose and made his MasiSports peers proud at the competition that day.
“Special congratulations goes to Uviwe Mkwana, who had an outstanding tournament. He scored 4½ points, defeating several highly rated players along the way. He scored 4½ points, defeating several highly rated players along the way. In one remarkable game, he achieved 91% accuracy and played fearlessly to defeat a top-seeded player rated around 1700,” she said.
His excellent performance earned him a trophy and qualification for the next round of the competition.
“Mkwana will now move on to represent the region and is expected to receive his Western Cape chess colours, a proud achievement for both him and our programme. His success is also a reminder to all the boys that with hard work and determination, great results are possible,” Brooke said.
