The long weekend has come and gone while many were visiting their relatives and relaxing, Junior Chess gladiators from all over eThekwini district converged to Open Air School Glenwood from Saturday the 6th -8th of August. The battle was for their right to earn KZN Chess colors and represent the province in the SAJCC [South African Junior Chess Championships] to be hosted in Pretoria Dec 16-23.

This was the second edition of eThekwini Youth Trials, which saw more than 200 kids from all walks of life, unite in the name of chess.

BEIER Chess in schools program was represented by kids from Kwa-Dabeka and Kwa-Santi townships. This is the second year kids from these townships take part in this prestigious event supported by BEIER industries. Last year one learner from the program (Sizwe Ndlovu from Sthokozile Secondary) managed to get the colors and travelled with the KZN team to Cape Town. The expectations were high more learners were pumped and eager to play. These events are not without any logistical challenges, the travelling to and from the playing venue for 3 days can take its toll financially especially to the parents of these learners in fact some learners don’t even take part due to financially reasons.

Well after 3 long days and tough days, the results were in and it was up to the selectors to analyze and choose the final team that will represent KZN in Pretoria Birchwood Hotel, Dec 16-23.

The following names of learners from BEIER Chess in schools program made the final cut and earned their Provincial colours:

1. Sizwe Ndlovu,
2. Thulani Makhathini,
3. Senzo Nzama,
4. Nkazimulo Mbhele,
5. Nkululeko Mbhele all from Sithokozile Secondary KwaDabeka and
6. Philani ‘Sonic’ Mbhele from kwaSanti secondary.

This is the greatest number of players from any one program to ever make the team at once. The number could have been better if all learners took part. These learners out did themselves. Making a Provincial Chess Team is great achievement but also can be very depressing financially as players finance their own way to National tournament which is very expensive especially for township learners. The average cost per player is about R 5500 which is a lot of money for anyone to pay.

While we celebrate this great achievement by these learners, I would also like to request on their behalf that they be assisted financially to make this trip possible.

Report by
Mbongeni Sithole
BEIER CHESS TRAINER