For some visually impaired chess players in Centurion, the game is about more than competition.

The players have described it as a space offering a moment to build confidence, sharpen their minds and form lasting friendships.

This is what five members of the South African Blind Braille Chess Association for Visually Impaired Persons from Centurion are embarking on, forming part of its 38 members who use chess to compete, socialise and remain active.

Estine Smith from Rooihuiskraal North joined the association in March because she wanted to become part of a community where she could meet people with similar experiences and interests.

Smith said meeting members face-to-face was particularly meaningful because many interactions take place online.

“We often play chess online, making tournaments and other in-person gatherings an opportunity to put faces to the people we regularly interact with virtually,” she expressed.

Paulie Erasmus from Lyttelton Manor joined in January and said the sense of togetherness was also important to him.

“It means a lot to me because it brings us together and binds us together as a group of people and allows us to meet other amazing people,” said Erasmus.

He said members often communicate by phone, but a recent Lyttelton Manor gathering gave them an opportunity to meet in person, to get to know each other better and relate to one another.

Fostering strategy and development

Frederick Botha, chairperson of the association, said chess played an important role in developing both children and adults.

“Chess is a sport for everyone, including blind people. It helps develop thinking, strategy and concentration,” he said.

Botha said the disability-friendly venue accommodated wheelchair users and blind participants, while 20 players competed with assistance from people who recorded their moves.

For Botha, the tournament was not only about determining winners. He said tournaments also created opportunities for players to form friendships while competing seriously.

Pathway to international competition

The association organises the Gauteng Open annually, as well as other tournaments and the South African championships. It also hosts online tournaments, allowing players to remain connected and compete throughout the year.

Botha said players are selected to represent South Africa at international competitions through a points system. The association is already preparing for the selection of a team for the 2029 international tournament, where South Africa will compete against players from 75 countries.

However, funding remains a major challenge. Botha said financial assistance from government and other organisations could help create more opportunities for visually impaired players.

“The way you think and plan in chess can help you make better decisions in life,” he said.

For children, the association focuses on school-level development, with chess helping to develop concentration, planning, and thinking skills.

Botha hopes the association will continue growing its membership and developing players capable of competing at a serious level despite visual impairment.

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