Cinga Mazibuko, a Grade 10 learner at Greenside High School, was introduced to chess at a young age by his father. He doesn’t remember exactly when he started, but the early exposure sparked a lasting interest. “I started when I was really young,” Cinga recalled, “and as I began playing openings and tactics, I just enjoyed the game more. It also helped me focus.”

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For Cinga, chess is a game of patience and dedication rather than natural talent. “You don’t need any special skills,” he said. “You just need patience, time, and a real passion for it.” He practises daily, playing as many games as he can before sleep and watching YouTube videos to learn new techniques. Through this, he’s also developing stronger time management skills and a deeper understanding of the game.

One of the most exciting challenges for him is mastering openings and their variations. “If you play a certain opening and your opponent responds differently, you have to adapt to that variation. It’s always something new to learn.”

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Looking ahead, his ambitions are as bold as his dedication. He hopes to play for a major team like Mzansi Chess Academy and dreams of meeting grandmasters and one day becoming one himself. For Cinga, chess is more than just a game; it’s a journey of learning, discipline, and growing passion.

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