Chess boffin proceeds to national competition
The grade 7 pupil joined the school's chess team in 2013 with little knowledge about chess.
Moduopo Primary School pupil, Brenda Ramphele, excelled at the recent Gauteng Provincial Schools Chess Tournament.
The grade 7 pupil joined the school’s chess team in 2013 with little knowledge about chess.
Mrs K Msimango, the team manager, said Brenda could only identify chess pieces by name and in 2014 she proved to have developed her skills.
“She performed well in both the cluster and district tournaments, and proceeded to the provincial tournament,” said Ms Msimango.
Ms Msimango said the 14-year-old proved to be a committed learner who also has a passion for reading and writing stories.
“She is a great team leader and convinced her nephew, Khumo Ramphele, to join the school’s U/13 chess team.
“Moduopo is focused on chess, with committed team managers who always encourage players to practice in the morning and on Saturdays. Chess practices do not interrupt the process of teaching and learning,” said Ms Msimango.
“We always encourage parents to allow their children to participate in chess to enhance their mathematical skills,” said Ms Msimango.
Mr Masilo Serumula, the school’s principal, is happy for Brenda who is now proceeding to the National Chess Tournament to be held in Durban.
“Brenda is among the seven U/15 girls who were selected to represent Gauteng Province at the coming National Chess Tournament,” said Ms Ms Msimango.
“Brenda Ramphele and Tshepiso Modutwane, the leader of the U/15 chess players, made the school proud when proceeding to the provincial tournament.”
