Chess South Africa, formerly known as CHESSA, is the national governing body for the sport of chess in South Africa. Chess South Africa is affiliated with the World Chess Federation (FIDE) and the African Chess Confederation (ACC).
North West is represented in the top-rated regions of Chess South Africa by Bojanala Platina (NBR), ranked number 5, Dr Kenneth Kaunda (NWP), ranked number 21, and Ngaka Modiri Molema (NNM), ranked number 24.
On June 2nd and 3rd, chess players from elementary and secondary schools across the province gathered in Potchefstroom to compete for the Provincial Chess Title. The City came to a complete standstill as a result. The competition started on the municipal level, then moved on to the regional level, and finally, the provincial team was chosen from those three levels.
Under 13, Under 15, and 18 athletes from various schools throughout four districts participated in this tournament organized by the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR) in partnership with the Department of Education.
Orefile Morake, a learner from Lebone II of the Royal Bafokeng, won the competition for girls under 15 and took home first place. At the end of the competition, Atlegang Monchusi came in second. In addition to having an excellent national ranking, Monchusi has previously been awarded the individual gold medal at the South African School Winter Games. She was a Team SA member, selected to represent the country at the International Schools Federation (ISF) competition in China last year. Lebogang Difotso, a learner at Grenville High School in Rustenburg, came out on top in the Under 15 boys’ competition.
Modise Christinah of Madibe won the Under 18 girls’ competition, and the Under 18 boys’ competition was won by Tokologo Ntshabele of Grenville High School. The chosen team, consisting of 28 players of 9 girls, will participate in the competition at the national winter games, which will take place from July 4 to 6 in Gauteng, Ekurhuleni.
"Playing at the national level and wearing provincial colours is something one cannot take for granted. Therefore I am going to put in much effort to prepare for the national games to bring home silverware," stated the ecstatic Morake.
"The competition at the regional level was a bit challenging, and I was able to secure place two, and I look forward to successfully defending my championship and regaining the number one spot,” said the current national champion, Monchusi.
The ACSR's spokesperson, Shuping Sebolecwe, said: "We are optimistic that the boys and girls will bring home podium results as we have chosen the best of the best."
