Players compete in top chess tournament
Coach says eMbalenhle Chess Club has grown to be a training institution of note.
eMBALENHLE – A Swiss Chess Tournament under the auspices of Sibande Chess was held at the Sasol Club on Saturday, 14 June.
Players from the region and Gauteng took part and they played five rounds.
Mr Leisa Mphosi, communications officer and head coach of the eMbalenhle Chess Club, said this is the first Chess South Africa (Chessa) rated tournament in the Gert Sibande region to take place in a township.
“This is a milestone and it affords previously disadvantaged people with an opportunity to take part in a Chessa endorsed event and to get ratings.
“It was also pleasing to see other race groups coming to our township, some for the very first time, to take part in this event.”
This tournament takes place annually and was hosted for the first time in the area last year.
A total prize of R8 500 was given to the winners who were divided into sections.
Section A winners were Jan Masango (R1 500), Nelson Tshoba (R1 000), Phuti Phihlela (R800), Stoffel Ngwako (R500), Makhosonke Kuhlase (R250) and Adelaide Khumalo (R250 and she was the best woman).
Section B winners were Mfundo Masiya (R1000), Thato Mokoena (R800), Lerato Mokoena (R500) and Khabane Moloisane (R200 and she was the best woman).
Section C winners were Ntokozo Nkambule (R500), Nkosinathi Maisela (R300), Musa Mbambo (R200) and Gift Nkosi (R150 and she was the best woman).
Section D winners were Reagan Botha (R250), Atharvs Agre (R150), Mbongiseni Mtshweni (R100) and Elsie Vilakazi (R50 and she was the best woman).
Nelson, Khabane, Ntokozo, Nkosinathi, Musa, Gift, Mbongiseni and Elsie are from the local chess club.
“The reason we gave out so much money was to entice strong players from other places to take part in our event.
“Having our players play against these players will give them exposure to a high level of chess and will make our players stronger.
“To be the best, you must compete with the best.
“This decision was proven right because this tournament turned out to be the strongest tournament we have had in our region and had players with relatively high ratings playing,” said Mr Mphosi.
He said his club has grown to be a training institution of note, with their players always performing well in all tournaments they take part in and also qualifying for provincial colours.
Visit www.embachess.co.za, Facebook: eMbalenhle Chess Club or twitter:@embachess for all those who need training or more info about the club.
