Latest news with #MzansiChessAcademyJuniorsTournament
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!
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!
