Khayelitsha chess stars selected to play for province

Their sports teacher Loyiso Mdokwe called Groundup very excitedly telling that his team members have been selected.

Unathi Philander is 13 years old. This is the second time she has been selected to play for Western Province. Philander is the only girl in the group of five learners chosen. Philander said she is very excited, “I will play hard to prove it to myself and everyone else that I deserve to be on the national team because that’s where I want to see myself.”

Siphesihle Nkomo is 13 years old. It is the first time he has been selected. “It is a great feeling and my parents are happy too,” he said.

They will be competing from 16 to 20 December 2012 at the South African Junior Championships.

Coach Mdokwe said, “This means a lot to us as a school because we can now see that our work is being recognised.”

Principal Brenda Phike said, “We don’t just take chess as a sport. It plays a big role in making our children self disciplined and building their confidence. They don’t need to be pushed or someone to stand on top of them to play. These children love what they are doing and we wish them all the luck for the December games.”