The iLembe District chess team claimed three individual gold medals and team silver at the recent South African Local Government Association KZN Games.

Hosted in Pietermaritzburg from December 5-7, the annual event featured 15 sporting codes and drew more than 4 000 participants from 11 districts across the province.

iLembe’s three gold medal winners (awarded to players finishing in the top-3 of their age group) were University of Zululand student, Gcina Mkhize (18), who won the Girls’ U20 division, Reddam House Ballito’s Neha Bisram (12), who claimed second in the Girls’ U14 section and Ashton International College Ballito’s Jared Wilson (11), who finished third in the Boys’ U14 competition.

“I enjoyed the tournament. The level of play was demanding, with every round requiring focus, resilience, and strategic precision, but I’m more confident now,” said Neha.

Jared rued some lost matches but enjoyed the overall experience: “The tournament was very hard but also fun because I got to see my friends and that is what counts,” he said.

The strong individual results helped the iLembe chess team to second overall, behind eThekwini, an achievement lauded by coach Prince Mthembu.

“Our performance was incredible. Hopefully next year, we will be ready for the main prize as we have shown we can win it,” he said.

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