A new partnership between the Ekurhuleni Tennis School of Excellence and Primrose Chess Club is giving children in Germiston an opportunity to develop their skills in both tennis and chess.

The initiative, which began introducing children to chess in June, brings together professional coaches from both sporting codes to develop talented young players who could eventually represent South Africa.

Chess training takes place every Sunday at 15:30 at the Germiston Stadium tennis courts clubhouse under the guidance of coach Loyiso Matsha and other experienced chess coaches.

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Among the young players already taking part are eight-year-old Marcia Chamberlain, 12-year-old Amukelani Makwakwa, 10-year-old Lillian Kunika and 10-year-old Ziningi Shwaye.

Matsha said he has been impressed by the talent since the programme began.

“We are seeing a lot of talent from the children in Germiston. It is only a matter of time before we produce children who can represent South Africa in chess and tennis,” said Matsha.

The partnership is unique in that two different sporting codes are working together under one development programme.

According to Matsha, the initiative could be among the first of its kind in South Africa, with professional coaches from both tennis and chess working towards a shared goal of developing young talent.

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The academy also has strong sporting credentials. Matsha was the South African U18 boys’ singles tennis champion in 1978, while chess coach Tshediso Mpya, president of Primrose Chess Club, has represented South Africa in chess.

The programme also benefits from the expertise of International Master (IM) Gillan Bwalya, who has significant international chess experience and has competed against Norwegian grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, one of the world’s leading chess players.

Bwalya recently demonstrated his strength by taking on five top Johannesburg high school chess players in a simultaneous match, moving between the boards and defeating all five opponents.

Matsha believes the calibre of coaching available presents a valuable opportunity for young people in Germiston to develop their skills.

“It is a golden opportunity to unearth hidden talent in Germiston,” he said.

The programme is particularly focused on giving children from disadvantaged communities access to sport.

Matsha said many of the children come from households where parents rely on social grants, making it difficult for families to afford equipment and tournament costs.

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He is appealing to members of the Germiston community and local businesses to assist by donating chess boards and helping cover tournament entry fees when the young players begin participating in competitions in January 2027.

Parents interested in enrolling their children in the programme are encouraged to register and give them an opportunity to develop their skills in chess and tennis.

Matsha believes that with the right support and consistent training, the young players could eventually progress to provincial and national teams.

For more information or to support the programme, Matsha may be contacted on 071 381 6226.