The chessboards will be set and clocks ticking as the Midrand Chess Club’s Rapid Tournament returns on October 11 at Halfway House Primary School.

This year, all eyes will be on a few rising stars from the club who are already making their mark in the local chess circuit.

Read more: Triumph of rising chess stars sets tone for Midrand tournament

Among them are Teboho Ntseare (8), Kalauba Maake (13), and Arham Khalife (13)—three determined youngsters whose recent performances prove they are players to watch.

Teboho, who only picked up chess a year ago, stunned in the Midrand Chess League’s U10 section, where she finished third overall and earned the best female title in her category.

“Her progress has been remarkable in such a short space of time,” said club coach Kgosimang Molefe. “The Midrand Chess League tested her but also accelerated her growth. She has quickly grasped chess principles well beyond her years.”

Kalauba impressed at the Soncini Inter-Region, where his consistency and discipline helped him qualify for Team Johannesburg. “Seeing him earn Johannesburg colours at such a young age is a proud moment for the club. It reflects his dedication and the strength of our development programme,” said Molefe.

Also read: Midrand Chess Club novices Arham and Teboho shine in official tournaments

Arham, meanwhile, delivered a strong run at the Johannesburg Metro Chess (JMC) Closed Tournament, finishing third in the U14 section with 4/5 points, just shy of the top two scorers. His performance also secured him a spot at the JMC Inter-Regions.
“The club is very excited to see Arham represent Johannesburg. His consistency and maturity stand out, and he continues to grow with every game.”

Beyond individual achievements, Molefe confirmed that a number of club players have qualified to play internationally in December, though sponsorship remains a hurdle. “We are actively seeking sponsors to support these talented youngsters on their journey,” he said.

The upcoming Rapid Tournament, Molefe added, will serve as a vital preparation platform for players ahead of bigger competitions. “Our goal is to provide as many practice games and training opportunities as possible in the lead-up. The future looks bright, and this is only the beginning of what we believe will be a very promising journey for our young chess players.”

The club continues to seek sponsors to contribute to the success of this tournament. The entry fee is R250 per section, and locals can register through this link: https://forms.gle/WLpKnpCaZqn4S65Y7

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