Latest news with #MidrandChessClub
The Citizen
23-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Young Midrand Chess Club player garners two accolades in a week
When the Midrand Chess Club reopened its doors after a hiatus due to COVID-19, it pledged to nurture its youth players. This commitment is evident in the achievements of their young talent, Arham Khalife, who recently earned two accolades. Read more: Midrand Chess Club's prodigy Arham Khalife wins gold at JMC Crawford International Tournament Arham secured a gold medal at the JMC Crawford International Tournament on May 10, but his remarkable performance did not end there. Just a week later, on May 18, he triumphed again, securing another gold medal and a trophy at the Mzansi Chess Academy Juniors Tournament, held at The Bridge School in Lonehill. The 14-year-old Waterfall City-based chess player was the only representative from the Midrand Chess Club this time around, excelling by winning all five rounds he competed in, boasting a rating of 1244. Also read: Midrand Chess Club continues to inspire and empower local talent The club's coach, Kgosimang Molefe, highlighted the importance of these tournaments in developing young talent. 'They provide exposure, sharpen competitive skills, and offer official ratings that allow players to track their progress and qualify for higher-level events. 'Arham delivered another flawless performance, achieving a score of 5/5 and walking away with both a gold medal and a trophy. This marks his second consecutive gold medal in just two weeks, showcasing his consistent excellence. The club is immensely proud of him – his growth reflects the strength of our development programme.' The club believes that Arham's back-to-back gold medal achievements will lead to a significant increase in his rating. 'More importantly, his journey inspires our other juniors, sending a strong message that the future of the Midrand Chess Club is bright,' Molefe concluded. The club practices at Halfway House Primary School on weekends. Those who would like to join, or sponsor, can contact coach Kgosimang Molefe on 073 494 3478, email: kgosi@ or visit: 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! Related article: Youngsters from New Jerusalem Childrens Home join the Midrand Chess Club for a practice session At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
24-04-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Midrand Chess Club continues to inspire and empower local talent
Midrand Chess Club is on a mission to bridge the gap between township talent and competitive opportunities, aiming to propel local players to success on national and international stages. The club is thrilled to announce that three of its outstanding players will compete in the Moja Chess Extravaganza, one of Africa's most prestigious chess tournaments. This event highlights the growing prominence of chess within the community and showcases the exceptional talent nurtured by the club and will take place from April 26 to May 1. Coach Kgosimang Molefe believes that the advent of streaming has revolutionised chess, transforming it from a quiet, solitary pursuit into an engaging, social experience that appeals to a wide audience. Also read: Youngsters from New Jerusalem Children's Home join the Midrand Chess Club for a practice session 'Streaming has injected life into chess, making it interactive and enjoyable for everyone,' said Molefe. He noted the growth of online platforms, innovative school programmes, and active community outreach initiatives had made chess accessible to countless individuals, allowing it to become a game that welcomes all. Despite the progress made, challenges remain, particularly in under-resourced areas. Molefe identified significant barriers to participation that players often face, such as registration fees, equipment costs, and travel expenses for tournaments. He emphasised the need for support from sponsors, local federations, and partnerships with schools and NGOs to effectively address these obstacles and foster a more inclusive chess community. Also read: Midrand Chess Club continues its commitment to nurture young minds through the sport of chess While chess is fundamentally based on logic and calculation, Molefe said great players also relied on intuition to make quick, effective decisions, especially under pressure. 'Emotional intelligence is key; it can enhance judgment or cloud it.' He stressed the importance of maintaining composure, controlling nerves, and trusting one's preparation, even in challenging positions. Molefe's mission extends beyond merely cultivating chess skills; he aims to foster critical thinking, discipline, and self-confidence in all players. He is determined to establish more community-based chess programmes, particularly for children who lack access to traditional training. Read more: Accomplished chess player Peter Letsoalo visits Midrand Chess Club training session Additionally, the South African Open Championships will be hosted at the University of Johannesburg, and Molefe encouraged more players to participate in this event and called upon sponsors to increase their support. The club holds practices at Halfway House Primary School and actively welcomes new players to join this dynamic community. For those interested in sponsorship opportunities or wanting to be part of the club, Kgosimang Molefe can be contacted at 073 494 3478 or via email at kgosi@ More detailed information is also available on the club's website at 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!
