Boys’ love of chess leads them to championships

Two youngsters’ passion for chess, a unique sport in the rural communities, has led them to places they may have never reached themselves.

Justice Masinge and Muzi Matsheke of KaMhlushwa will now go to represent Ehlanzeni Chess in Cape Town in the South African Junior Chess Championships.

Throughout the year the boys have attended and participated in different tournaments in the region.

This has been possible with the assistance of Imagine Scholar, which has been there every step of the way for Justice and Muzi, from cheering and supporting them on their journey.

Setting them up online with chess programmes, transporting them to chess tournaments, and purchasing chess books for them to learn from.

The South African Junior Chess Championships are scheduled to take place from January 3 to 7.

Justice and Muzi are in need of the community’s help with raising funds for accommodation and travelling costs.

According to Imagine Scholar founded by Mr Corey Johnson, the two boys are truly passionate about the sport and they have earned the opportunity to represent the region.

“The two show such dedication in improving their lives and chess playing by showing up every day to our very competitive after-school programme, which runs five to six days a week outside of regular school, and by starting their own community chess project, where they teach grades six and seven how to enhance their chess-playing skills. After such commitment these two deserve to go to Cape Town and play in such an elite tournament,” Johnson said.

He concluded in saying, “We support and endorse Muzi and Justice on this fantastic endeavour, and hope you will consider financially contributing towards making this dream a reality for them.”

For more information on these two youngsters’ journey, contact Imagine Scholar on 076-657-3365.