Afrikaanse Hoërskool Germiston receives donated chessboards
The two captains agreed that playing chess aids their ability to concentrate and stay focused when studying.
Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, the Gauteng provincial commissioner, recently presented the Afrikaanse Hoërskool Germiston learners with a chessboard and various sporting equipment.
The handover on August 6 was part of the Gauteng SAPS Safer School Project and the Adopt-A-Cop programme.
Mthombeni highlighted sports’ unifying power, echoing former president Nelson Mandela’s belief in sports as a tool for unity.
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“This programme was initiated last year by former Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela.
“Sports not only keep children away from crime but help them focus on their studies and build strong character,” Mthombeni said.
Elize Rudolph, a teacher at the school, expressed her delight at the learners’ growing interest in chess.
“Chess is a popular sport at our school. Every year, we have at least one or more learners competing in the Ekurhuleni south D6 high schools competitions,” she said.
Rudolph also mentioned the school’s involvement in other sports, including hockey for boys and girls, netball for girls and rugby.
“Our rugby team was recently knocked out of the Noordvaal Cup,” she added.
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Senior chess team captain Clinton Makombe shared his journey in the sport, which began in Grade Nine.
“I was anxious during my first event, but we even competed at the district level that year. Now, in Grade 11, I have worked hard to become the senior team captain.
“This year, we placed third and second in the Cluster Chess Tournament at Ekurhuleni south,” Makombe said.
Captain Amara Abrahams, who leads the junior team, said her team placed first in the Cluster Chess Tournament and third in the district.
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“Two junior members will participate in the individual competitions at the Ekurhuleni south district,” she said.
Abrahams credited her older brother for influencing her interest in chess, saying,
“Though I had never played before, I was always interested in chess. He taught me everything I needed to know.”
Both captains agreed that playing chess has significantly improved their concentration and focus, particularly when studying.
