Free chess and mini-tennis programme launched at Germiston Stadium

The Ekurhuleni Tennis School of Excellence, in conjunction with the Primrose Chess Club, recently launched a free community chess programme at the Germiston Stadium Tennis Clubhouse.

The programme is open to everyone, with no registration or attendance fee required.

Parents are encouraged to bring their school-aged children to learn about chess, while adults are also welcome to participate.

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Organiser Loyiso Matsha of Ekurhuleni Tennis School of Excellence said chess is suitable for all ages and both genders and can help children strengthen skills in mathematics, computer science and problem-solving.

Community members are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to learn, play, and grow.

“Both tennis and chess can help a child develop physically and mentally, while improving unique thinking abilities. In tennis, you need to think strategically about where to hit the ball to outplay your opponent.

“Chess teaches the same kind of critical thinking, requiring players to plan ahead and make smart decisions,” he said.

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Mini-tennis programme
Former schoolteacher and South African U18 boys’ singles and doubles tennis champion (1976-1978), Loyiso Matsha, is also reviving mini-tennis, now known as the Play and Stay programme, at Germiston Stadium.

The Swedish-developed system is designed for children aged five to 10, using modified equipment and smaller courts to make learning the sport easier and more enjoyable.

Matsha, a professionally qualified tennis coach, said his long-term goal is to develop players capable of competing at provincial, national and international level.

He stressed that success depends on consistent effort over many years, together with strong parental support.

He added that reaching the highest levels of the sport can take between 10 and 15 years of dedicated training.

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Early Childhood Development centres and primary schools interested in introducing children to the programme can contact Matsha via WhatsApp on 071 381 6226 for more information.

Sakhile Mlauzi also donated a mini tennis net to Matsha, encouraging others keen to help the academy flourish to contact Matsha.