Chess ace to do battle at SA junior champs
Montclair Senior Primary School's star chess player, Bandile Ntaka (10) will fly his school's flag high when he represents the province at the South African Junior Chess Championships from 14 to 21 December.
This year’s championships will take place at the ICC in Durban. No stranger to the competition, he was part of the KZN team which took part in the championships last year in Cape Town.
He will play in the B team as the number four player in the U12s division.
“What I like the most about chess is it helps you in maths and other technical subjects in school,” said Bandile.The grade five pupil has been playing chess since he started school. Claiming first place in Durban and Districts and placing third in coastal KZN, as well as winning a number of tournaments are some of the accolades he has accrued over the years. In preparation for the national championships, Bandile practises two hours a day.
Chess teacher, Cherly James said: “Bandile is a shining star. He has shown expertise from grade 3. He looks at the whole game instead of chasing after one piece on the board.”
– mbalim@dbn.caxton.co.za
