Crossroads chess prodigy Imkhitha Joya appeals for funding to compete internationally

Crossroads chess player Imkhitha Joya has made a plea for financial assistance to get her to the World Youth Chess Championships in Albania this October and the African Youth Chess Championships in Algeria in December.

Her coach, Thando Hlakula, said she has scored a major opportunity to showcase her talents.

Mr Hlakula said the 14-year-old Crossroads chess player has been invited to represent South Africa at two tournaments that are key milestones in her journey towards becoming a Woman International Master and, ultimately, a grandmaster.

To get to Albania, Imkhitha needs to raise R94 100. The total includes return flights, visas, entry fees, accommodation, and daily expenses for herself and her coach, who will be her guardian abroad.

According to Mr Hlakula, they have raised just over R19 000 from "eight incredible donors."

Speaking to Vukani on Tuesday July 15, Imkhitha said she was overwhelmed by those who supported her but added that she needed more donations.

“As Imkhitha, I need support from all South Africans financially, but it is not just finances on how I play the game. I need support to play well. I urge them to give all the support, financially or if one cannot, support me spiritually and otherwise,” she said.

She remains confident that, come rain or shine, she will represent South Africa in Albania and Algeria. This year alone, she qualified for the African Individual Chess Championships, the African Schools Championships, and the FIDE Youth Olympiad.

But each time, Mr Hlakula said, she had to stay behind - not because she lacked talent, but because there wasn’t enough time or money to raise the required funds.

Mr Hlakula said those missed opportunities have been some of the toughest parts of her journey.

“She worked so hard to qualify, but without funding, we couldn’t make it happen. Watching her miss out on experiences she earned was heartbreaking,” he said, adding that " the money to Albania was getting there," and he was certain that she will go to Albania.

“We have managed to raise funds, and I can assure you that she will be going. It’s been so moving to see people stepping up for her. Every bit of support, no matter the size, shows her that her hard work is seen and valued. With the amount that is at our disposal, she can manage to at least board the plane and buy a few clothes,” he said.

He described her as a bright spark in Crossroads and someone that other young people will look up to.

He said that at just 14 years old, Imkhitha is rewriting what’s possible for a young girl with big dreams and an even bigger heart.

As one of South Africa’s brightest young talents in chess, she’s earned national recognition and international invitations. Now, all she needs is a helping hand to keep her momentum going, he said.

“Her achievement at her age is inspiring not only us but her community and youngsters from disadvantaged areas like hers. She is an example to others from these areas. Once they see her going all over the world, they will also believe that anything is possible irrespective of the area of place you are from. We are proud to have such talent in our midst,” said Mr Hlakula

Earlier this year, Imkhitha was crowned South African U14 girls’ chess champion after finishing undefeated at the Junior Closed Chess Championships. She also swept the Western Cape High Schools U15 girls’ section, winning every game with a perfect score of six out of six. Her CHESSA rating now stands at 1811, making her the top-ranked U14 girl and sixth overall among female players in South Africa.