23-05-2025
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:
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Related article: Youngsters from New Jerusalem Childrens Home join the Midrand Chess Club for a practice session
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