SEDIBENG.- The Sedibeng West District Schools Chess Committee applauded learners who represented Sedibeng at the Provincial Chess Games recently.
The provincial tournament took place at Hoërskool Randburg and in Sedibeng.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, Lefu Lepota thanked those who made it possible for these learners to reach the provincial level through their support, teaching, training, and coaching in their respective sporting chess clubs.
Avery Gorrie, a learner from Eligwa Primary School, is one of the learners who were outstanding at these provincial chess games. Lepota highlighted Gorrie’s remarkable journey, noting that in only eight months, this young learner coached under the passionate guidance of Martin Botha, outperformed many of her peers in playing the intellectual sport.
Gorrie has been nominated to represent Sedibeng at the SA Junior Chess Championship, where she won five games out of nine in 2024. It came as no surprise when she finished first in the Sedibeng West District Schools Chess Individuals event, earning her a spot to play in the Gauteng Schools Chess Individuals provincial tournament.
She went on to dominate in her category, outperforming some of the most talented learners from other regions. When describing her, Lepota said that through her discipline, perseverance, and hard work, she deserves to be awarded regional colours/provincial colours, and potentially, she awaits opportunities to achieve the women’s chess title in the future.
“A historic milestone has been reached in Sedibeng West District. You’re the first school learner in my eight-year period with D8 to achieve this at the provincial level in the U13 girls’ section. Without any doubt, you’re indeed one of our junior role models. We are very proud of you, and you demonstrated to every young person out there that anything is possible. I do not doubt that you will make us proud and receive more accolades. Chess is one of the few games that requires intellectual skills. This is just a beginning for the good things to come for you,” said Lepota.
