Moses Mabhida chess team ready to compete

More than 30 chess players squared off against each other at the Moses Mabhida Public Library in Khayelitsha last Friday to win selection for a team to compete in a provincial chess tournament later this year.

Following several hours of tactical manoeuvring and more than a few triumphant checkmates, eight players were chosen for the library's chess team, which will compete against other library chess teams across the province in the Western Cape Library Chess Tournament, on a date and venue that have yet to be announced.

The players chosen for the Moses Mabhida Public Library chess team are Avuyonke Ngcoza, Sibusiso Bokwe, Asenathi Labela, Live Makoe, Sivuyise Ngcoza, Khayone Nono, Hlomla Samuel and Uyathanda Ndzeke.

“We have been training hard to have a solid team that will partake in the tournament. We have seen that other libraries are also hard at work. We do not want to be left behind. We are sure that the team will represent us with pride. These young people are really passionate about the sport,” said librarian Sisanda Wanga, who organised last Friday’s event.

Ms Wanga said chess encouraged critical thinking, saying, "It is not a sport for the faint-hearted but for people who are intelligent."

Mzoli Qamata, who offers chess coaching in the community, helped to adjudicate the tournament.

“This sport is growing tremendously in our townships, and that makes me happy... This is one sport that helps them to increase their problem-solving abilities, thinking and creativity," he said.