Midrand Chess Club continues its commitment to nurture young minds through the sport of chess

During the recent training, they focus was on solving the Lucena position, a crucial concept in chess, while also emphasising the vital role that pawns play during the endgame phase of the game.

February 10, 2025

Comfort Makhanya 2 minutes read

Midrand Chess Club hosts outdoor chess training session for young players.

Midrand Chess Club is dedicated to nurturing young minds through chess, with 10 enthusiastic children attending training at Halfway House Primary School on February 1.

Kgosimang Molefe, the club’s founder and coach, said, “We have established an academy for face-to-face training sessions and we welcome everyone to join us for games starting at 15:00.”

“Strong players from various clubs often join us to challenge our young talents, enriching the experience for all.”

Also read: A golden triumph in the Johannesburg Clubs Chess League for Midrand Chess Club seniors

Arush Cherupally and Vishank Vonteddu are all smiles as they attend the outdoor chess training.

The club is actively seeking new players, especially young chess enthusiasts from Midrand and nearby areas. Recently, the training focused on solving the Lucena position, a crucial endgame concept, while highlighting the importance of pawns in the endgame.

The Lucena position is a well-known endgame scenario where a player with an extra pawn can secure victory, typically arising in rook-and-pawn endgames.

“Children often tend to give away pawns without much thought, assuming that they are the least valuable pieces on the board. However, it is important to understand that every piece holds value, even if that value varies. The Lucena position serves as a practical example of how a player can achieve victory using a pawn, showcasing its potential importance.”

Also read: Midrand Chess Club’s seniors book their ticket to the semis of Johannesburg Clubs Chess League

He noted that many of the young players began with no knowledge of chess but have progressed to moving pieces confidently through dedicated training.

Currently, the club has formed two distinct groups of aspiring young chess players – one for beginners learning basic movements and another for those exploring advanced concepts.

Looking ahead, the club will host its annual chess tournament in Alexandra in collaboration with the Edrie Mighty Warriors netball club this March. They will also participate in the Midrand Schools League, Corporate Online League, and the Midrand Open League.

“After successfully hosting the Midrand Chess League and Johannesburg Club League last year, we gained invaluable experience in organising tournaments, benefitting our young players.”

Arush Cherupally sets up his chess pieces on the board.

He expressed confidence in the junior team’s readiness for upcoming competitions, stating, “I believe our young players are prepared for the challenges ahead and I expect them to perform even better in the upcoming tournaments, reflecting the significance of their training.”

As the club prepares for these events, they are actively seeking sponsorships and donations to acquire additional chess boards and clocks to accommodate the growing number of participants.

For those interested in joining or supporting the club, reach out to Kgosimang Molefe on 073 494 3478 or email kgosi@midrandchess.co.za