The Boksburg Chess Club is home to champions after winning numerous awards at the Gauteng Chess Club championships, held by Chess Powerhouse in Sandton recently.
According to Clive Mthunzi, the academy has three South African champions. Four of their players qualified for the Commonwealth Games in October in India.
“We are currently playing a five-week tournament that will end on July 18 at Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen, every Tuesday at 18:00. We also meet on Tuesdays when not hosting any tournaments for practice,” said Mthunzi.
Boksburg Academy currently has more than 60 registered members across the Boksburg area. Some members join the academy to pursue excellence, and they welcome any level-of-skill players that want to be part of their academy.
The academy has coaches to help those who want to grow in the sport.
Mthunzi added that some coaching lessons are at the Chess Powerhouse in Primrose.
Boksburg Chess Club was established in 2017 by Ruan and Corneli Aldum when they saw a need for a club where children could pursue their chess talent.
Mthunzi joined the club last year. He said they aimed to register many children so that they start competing in provincial tournaments.
The club now has children who qualify to take part in the nationals.
He said chess does not receive the recognition it deserves as it is not a spectator sport because it requires the audience to have some level of understanding. The only time it gets exposure is through online streaming.
“We need exposure as we have players that qualify for international tournaments but lack funding and means to participate. Chess needs attention,” said Mthunzi.
He further said chess helps one to focus for a long time, adding that chess helps with exercising your brain. It is easy to learn as their club has members who help people who want to start.
“Anyone can play chess, but it is difficult to master,” said Mthunzi.
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