TWO Pinetown SAPS officers came in first position in the chess code during the recent district championships for the police.

Colonel Kesval Sigamoney Pillay, nicknamed Clive, and Captain Kamleni Devnanen, commonly known as Sony, were beaming with pride for making the winning chess moves at the tournament.

Sony, who said she was somewhat “forced” to take up the game in 2013, played against a top provincial player in the final and “was quite chuffed” when she came out victorious.

Having learnt the basics in primary school, and having one week of refining those moves in preparation for a championship when by chance she started playing again, Sony said over the years she has grown to love chess.

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She has played for the SAPS national team, representing KZN, and it is the “family” that is built when playing with officers from other provinces that makes her fond of chess.

“I actually enjoy teaching chess at schools because we are taking the children out of the streets, I enjoy that a lot,” said Sony, who added that she wishes chess was compulsory at all schools.

She also loves the game because it makes players thinkers who strategise when cornered.

“When you are down and out in life, chess teaches you that there is always a better move,” she said.

Clive has played chess for 30 years and grew an interest in it because “it is very challenging”. His recent victory is a testament to his years of experience and winning on the board.

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