Latest news with #Arham
The Citizen
17-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Arham adds SA Open bronze to his cabinet
Chess has long been regarded as a game of strategy and intellect, captivating minds across generations. At the Midrand Chess Club, a fresh wave of young talent is revitalising the sport, with 14-year-old Arham Khalife leading the charge. As an exceptional player continuously honing his skills, Arham has been earning accolades and establishing a reputation on the national stage. His recent third-place finish in the U14 category at the 2025 South African Open Chess Championship highlights his emergence as a star in South African chess. Also read: Midrand Chess Club novices Arham and Teboho shine in official tournaments Earlier this year, he claimed three prestigious awards: gold medals at both the JMC Crawford International Tournament and the Mzansi Chess Academy Juniors Tournament, as well as a second-place finish in the B Section at the Chess Powerhouse Youth Day Rapid. Each of these victories has fuelled his passion and confidence. Recently, Arham competed in the South African Open, held at the University of Johannesburg during the June-July school holidays, which featured some of the country's top young chess players. The tournament consisted of five intense rounds that tested participants' strategic thinking, resilience, and psychological strength. Arham's performance was outstanding. He tied for third place in the U14 category with eight other players, finishing with four points after a series of challenging matches. His toughest game was against Daniel Mallach, a strong competitor who had previously won the Midrand Juniors League. Also read: Midrand Chess Club rising stars move their pieces in official tournaments Kgosimang Molefe, the club's coach, expressed pride in Arham's accomplishments, stating, 'That game [against Daniel] pushed Arham both strategically and psychologically.' Molefe emphasised the significance of achieving third place at such a prestigious tournament, saying, 'It is a major achievement and showcases the hard work and discipline Arham has put in. I always believed in his potential to excel against tough competition.' Arham's composure under pressure and ability to capitalise on small advantages stood out. He played mature, principled chess and demonstrated excellent tournament discipline. 'He is more methodical now. His opening choices are prepared, he calculates deeper in the middlegame, and he's grown more confident in tough positions. His overall maturity at the board has improved significantly.' Also read: Young Midrand Chess Club player garners two accolades in a week Molefe added that this achievement was a major morale boost and a clear sign that the club was on the right track. 'It shows our players can hold their own at the national level, and it gives the entire club something to celebrate and rally around.' The club's goal is to build on this momentum, keep players sharp, and push for qualification into more elite-level events. 'Arham's performance shows that hard work and focus pay off. It sends a message to other young players in our community that they, too, can compete and win medals at national tournaments.' Those who wish to join or sponsor Midrand Chess Club can contact Kgosimang Molefe on 073 494 3478 or email [email protected] Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Barnama
16-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
UMK Signs MoUs To Boost National Rare Earth Industry
KOTA BHARU, July 16 (Bernama) -- Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) today signed two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to strengthen the integrated, strategic and high-impact development of the country's rare earth elements (REE) industry. Its vice-chancellor Prof Dr Arham Abdullah said the first MoU involves a Triple Helix synergy-based collaboration between UMK, the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT), and Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA). He said REE is now recognised as one of Malaysia's five strategic minerals and plays a key role in modern technologies, including renewable energy, electronics, defence and healthcare. 'In Malaysia, particularly in Kelantan, there are significant deposits of non-radioactive rare earth elements (NR-REE). However, geological features such as ion-adsorption clay make the extraction process more challenging and require a sustainable, innovative and environmentally friendly approach. 'This collaboration underlines that the development of the REE industry cannot be done in isolation. Its success depends on strong synergy among research institutions, government agencies and industry players to ensure the technologies developed are sustainable, relevant and scalable at the national level,' he said in a statement. He added that UMK also has a group of young, proactive and competent researchers capable of developing REE solutions across the value chain, which further enhances the value of the signed MoUs. Commenting further, Arham said the second MoU involves bilateral cooperation between UMK and Upstream Downstream Process & Services Sdn Bhd, focusing on technology transfer and direct industry testing. 'As an entrepreneurial university, UMK strives to balance academic research needs with industrial application. This collaboration reflects UMK's commitment to driving the development of the local REE ecosystem in Kelantan,' he said. -- BERNAMA
The Citizen
10-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
The Blue Waves' half marathon returns in Waterfall this September
Gauteng's fastest-growing race, the Waterfall City Half Marathon, is set to return on September 21, promising runners an extraordinary journey through some of Waterfall's most stunning landscapes. Now in its fourth year, this signature race is a celebration of community, healthy lifestyle, and athletic excellence. The excitement kicked off on July 9 during the official launch of the race at the Mall of Africa's Ster-Kinekor. Hosted by Waterfall City Athletics Club, affectionately known as The Blue Waves, this year's theme—'Flash Forward: Fast Forward into the Future'— honours the evolution of running through technology, inclusion, and innovation. Also read: Arham adds SA Open's bronze to his cabinet Kenny Lethole, co-founder and director of the club, passionately addressed a crowd of enthusiastic runners, speakers, and sponsors, sharing the growth of the club and the marathon itself. 'I'm really excited to see all these many enthusiastic faces here today, especially from the running community,' said Lethole. 'I'm honoured to share with you a brief background of the amazing club behind this marathon. As an athlete, I've always believed in the power of sports to change lives.' Lethole quoted former president Nelson Mandela: 'Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It unites people in a way nothing else can.' He emphasised Mandela's belief that sports can break down cultural and racial barriers and serve as a powerful vehicle for social change. Also read: Total Football Excellence captain is a leader, on-and-off the field This inspired the creation of the Waterfall City Athletics Club, a platform uniting individuals of all ages, races, and abilities in their passion for running, making the sport accessible to everyone. From its modest origins during the pandemic, this event has solidified its status as a key highlight on Gauteng's running calendar. Since its inception in 2022, participation has skyrocketed from 3000 to 6000 in 2024, and for this year's event, they anticipate hosting 7000 runners, media, VIPs, and supporters, solidifying its reputation as one of the region's fastest-growing races. The race kicks off at 06:00 at Waterfall City Park, Mall of Africa, featuring the 21.1km half-marathon, a 10km race, and a 5km family fun run. Also read: Balwin Padel to launch SA's premier venue at Munyaka in Waterfall City Race director Mpho Makhado stated, 'With a blend of testing inclines, fast flats, and scenic turns, it's a course that pushes your limits and rewards you every step of the way. Whether you're a first-timer, a social runner, or chasing a new personal best, this race has something for everyone—a true celebration of the runner's journey.' Click the link to register for the Waterfall City Half Marathon: For more information about the launch, check out Midrand Reporter. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
28-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Midrand Chess Club novices Arham and Teboho shine in official tournaments
The Midrand Chess Club continues to nurture and develop promising talent, with two of its young players recently making impressive strides in official tournaments. Arham Khalife (14) competed in the Chess Powerhouse Youth Day Rapid on June 16, while seven-year-old Teboho Ntseare participated in the JMC Blairgowrie Rapid on June 8. Both players showed significant progress and discipline. Arham performed exceptionally well, placing second in the B Section, a notable achievement considering the fast-paced 15-minute format. This was only Teboho's second tournament, and she finished seventh out of 18 competitors in the U8/U10 Combined Section. Despite facing tough competition, Teboho's resilience was particularly impressive, especially after a crucial comeback in Round Six following an early setback. Also read: Midrand Chess Club rising stars move their pieces in official tournaments Kgosimang Molefe, the club's coach, praised their growth and outlined the focus moving forward. 'We still need to review Arham's games, as they serve as preparation for the upcoming SA Open Championship this month. Teboho's resilience during Round Six was a testament to her improvement in managing nerves and game strategy, a key improvement from her Midrand League showing.' He emphasised that both players adhered to their training strategies, utilising familiar openings, managing their time effectively, and sharpening their tactical alertness. 'Arham executed this well, while Teboho worked on improving her board vision and time management, both areas where she made notable progress.' 'Arham is ready for tougher opponents and is on the verge of moving into higher-rated sections. Teboho is gaining confidence and beginning to understand tournament dynamics, which is a significant step for her age. Both players reflect the Midrand Chess Club's growing culture of commitment and competitiveness.' Also read: Midrand Chess Club's prodigy Arham Khalife wins gold at JMC Crawford International Tournament Looking ahead, the club plans to enhance training to meet the specific needs of each player. For Arham, the focus will shift toward complex middlegames and advanced tactics in preparation for facing tougher opponents. Teboho will continue to refine her calculation skills, visualisation techniques, and the management of tournament nerves to build her confidence and resilience. 'We are waiting for the release of the SA Open 2025 dates, after which the Midrand Chess Club's league and tournament calendar will resume. We are also scouting for new talent and will be hosting training intensives during the winter holidays.' Read more: Midrand Chess Club continues to inspire and empower local talent Molefe expressed pride in the progress of his players, particularly those from previously underrepresented areas. 'Their success is proof that, with the right support, local talent can rise and compete. We also extend our gratitude to the parents and the community for backing their journeys.' For those interested in supporting or joining the club, please contact Kgosimang Molefe at 073 494 3478 or via email at kgosi@ Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
22-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Midrand Chess Club rising stars move their pieces in official tournaments
The Midrand Chess Club continues to nurture and develop promising talent, with two of its young players recently making impressive strides in official tournaments. Arham Khalife (14) competed in the Chess Powerhouse Youth Day Rapid on June 16, while Teboho Ntseare (7) participated in the JMC Blairgowrie Rapid on June 8. Arham performed exceptionally well, placing second in the B section, a notable achievement considering the fast-paced 15-minute format. Read more: Young Midrand Chess Club player garners two accolades in a week This was only Teboho's second rated tournament, and she finished seventh out of 18 competitors in the U8/U10 combined section. Speaking to the club's coach, Kgosimang Molefe, he praised their growth and outlined the focus moving forward. 'We still need to review Arham's games, as they serve as preparation for the upcoming SA Open Championship this month. 'Teboho's resilience during round six was a testament to her improvement in managing nerves and game strategy, a key improvement from her Midrand League showing. 'Arham is ready for tougher opponents and is on the verge of moving into higher-rated sections. Teboho is gaining confidence and beginning to understand tournament dynamics, which is a significant step for her age. Both players reflect the Midrand Chess Club's growing culture of commitment and competitiveness.' The Midrand Chess Club's league and tournament calendar will resume after the SA Opens. The club is also scouting for new talent and will be hosting training intensives during the winter holidays. For those interested in supporting or joining the club, please contact Kgosimang Molefe at 073 494 3478 or via email at kgosi@ Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts!
