Knight Riders Chess Academy/Club

🎉 Congratulations to Benjamin Wong! ♟️

Knight Riders Chess Academy proudly congratulates Benjamin Wong on his outstanding performance at the South African Open Chess Championships held in Cape Town.

Benjamin scored an impressive 4½ points out of 7, competing against a strong field that included mostly highly rated players. His determination, fighting spirit and quality of play throughout the tournament were truly commendable.

Representing our academy with excellence, Benjamin demonstrated resilience, discipline and sportsmanship at one of South Africa's premier chess events. His performance is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the game.

We are incredibly proud of your achievement, Benjamin, and we look forward to seeing you continue to grow and reach even greater heights in your chess journey.

Congratulations once again, Benjamin! Keep making us proud. 👏♟️

Knight Riders Chess Academy
"Changing Lives, One Move at a Time."

♟️Monday Motivation♟️

The bishop was not always the powerful long - range piece we know today. In earlier versions of chess, its movement was more limited, which made the game slower and less dynamic.

But when the bishop’s movement changed, the whole game changed with it.

Suddenly, players had to think across the board, plan from a distance, and understand how one piece could influence spaces far beyond where it stood.

At Knight Riders Chess Academy, we teach young players to think beyond the obvious move, recognise patterns, and develop the confidence to see further.

Because strong players do not only make moves - they learn how to see the game differently.

🇿🇦 South Africa Remains in Contention After Round 4 of the 2026 African Individual Chess Championships

The South African team continues to make a strong impression at the 2026 African Individual Chess Championships in Jwaneng, Botswana, with an exciting blend of experienced senior players and talented juniors competing at the highest level of African chess.

Open Section

🔥 IM Caleb Levitan delivered one of the standout performances of the round, defeating Kenyan Champion FM Jadon Simiyu to move to 3.5/4 and join the leading group. Caleb currently occupies 5th place overall, just half a point behind the tournament leaders.

🤝 FM Raphael Felix held pre-tournament favourite IM David George Samir (Egypt) to a draw. Remaining unbeaten on 3.5/4, Raphael sits in 6th place overall.

🔥 GM Kenny Solomon responded strongly after his previous setback, securing an important victory against IM Odion Aikhoje (Nigeria). The win moves Kenny to 3.5/4 and into 4th place overall.

✅ FM Banele Mhango continued his impressive tournament run, defeating FM Prince Daniel Mulenga (Zambia) to reach 3/4 and climb into the Top 10.

✅ James Dinham also recorded a valuable victory over CM Olisa Tennyson Ewomazino (Nigeria), joining Banele on 3/4.

❌ IM Michael Simpson suffered a loss to IM Chitumbo Mwali (Zambia) and remains on 2/4 after four rounds.

Women's Section

🔥 WFM Chisomo Boshoma produced one of South Africa's most notable results of the round, defeating higher-rated WIM Lina Nassr (Algeria). Chisomo advances to 3/4 and moves into 8th place overall.

🤝 WFM Chloe Badenhorst secured a draw against WFM Ayemou Mazan Emmanuela Esther (Côte d'Ivoire), bringing her score to 2.5/4 and keeping her within reach of the leading pack.

✅ WCM Hayley Nel recorded a valuable victory over WFM Sasha Mongeli (Kenya), improving her score to 2/4.

✅ WIM Anzel Laubscher defeated WFM Natalie Katlo Banda (Botswana) to also reach 2/4.

South African Standings After Round 4

Open Section

♟️ GM Kenny Solomon – 3.5/4 (4th)
♟️ IM Caleb Levitan – 3.5/4 (5th)
♟️ FM Raphael Felix – 3.5/4 (6th)
♟️ FM Banele Mhango – 3/4 (8th)
♟️ James Dinham – 3/4 (9th)
♟️ IM Michael Simpson – 2/4 (28th)

Women's Section

♟️ WFM Chisomo Boshoma – 3/4 (8th)
♟️ WFM Chloe Badenhorst – 2.5/4 (13th)
♟️ WCM Hayley Nel – 2/4 (20th)
♟️ WIM Anzel Laubscher – 2/4 (25th)

With five rounds still to be played, South Africa remains firmly in contention for medals. Three South African players are currently part of the leading group in the Open Section, while WFM Chisomo Boshoma has positioned herself among the top contenders in the Women's Section.

The blend of youth and experience within the South African squad continues to demonstrate the strength and depth of South African chess on the continental stage.

A special mention goes to WFM Chisomo Boshoma, whose outstanding performance continues to make South Africa proud. Chisomo spent numerous years developing her chess skills under the guidance of Coach Linda Makhubela and Knight Riders Chess Academy, where she laid a strong foundation for her growth as a competitive player.

The entire Knight Riders family is immensely proud of her achievements and her representation of South African chess on the continental stage. Her success serves as an inspiration to young players and demonstrates the value of dedication, hard work, and quality coaching.

We wish Chisomo and the entire Team South Africa the very best for the remaining rounds of the African Individual Chess Championships. May they continue to compete with determination, excellence, and pride as they represent our nation.

🇿🇦♟️ Good luck, Chisomo! Good luck, Team South Africa!

Coach Linda Makhubela
Knight Riders Chess Academy
"Committed to making a difference in the chess world." ♟️🇿🇦

Best wishes to Team South Africa for the remaining rounds! 🇿🇦♟️

🇿🇦♟️

Linda Makhubela
Founder & Head Coach – Knight Riders Chess Academy!!

"Committed to making a difference in the chess world by developing young minds, creating opportunities, and inspiring the next generation of chess champions."

Good evening,

We have received numerous requests from players who were unable to form or join a school team but still wished to participate in the Knight Riders Primary Schools Chess Tournament.

To accommodate these players, we have introduced an Individual Section, allowing learners to compete even if they are not part of a team.

We look forward to welcoming all participants and providing an enjoyable and competitive chess experience for everyone.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1tgVul6Am0nQPzD9847SnjtbQRYX08AXY2b0JHMvS6mU

Wishing all our Knight Riders and families a safe and joyful Youth Day today!

As Knight Riders Chess Academy we believe that improvement in chess is about learning to adapt, recognising opportunity and understanding how even small changes in thinking can lead to big changes in results. The Queen’s journey teaches us that exactly!

This Sunday let’s take a moment to appreciate the small change that created dynamic changes in the way we enjoy chess today!

Congratulations to Our Knight Riders Girls! ♟️👑

A huge congratulations to all the Knight Riders Chess Academy girls who participated in the Queens of the Board Chess Tournament held at Blairgowrie Primary School.

You represented the Academy with pride, honour, dignity, and outstanding sportsmanship.

We are incredibly proud of your dedication, determination, and fighting spirit throughout the tournament. Every player who participated contributed to the success of the day and showcased the values of Knight Riders Chess Academy.

Participants

Vumbhoni Maluleke (U10)
Rifarise Mawela (U8)
Ampfarisaho Mawela (U8)
Warona Zengele (U10)
Onalenna Seitisho (U10)
Asonele Maduna (U8)
Khaohle Karabo (U12)
Thandoluhle Zulu (Juniors)
Nobuhle Mkhasibe (Juniors)
Lesedi Ngubane (Juniors)
Chauke Nokukhanya (Juniors)
Nosipho Chauke (Juniors)
Mathibe Koketso (Juniors)
Bohlokwa Manasoe (Juniors)
Asanda Maduna (Juniors)
Valentina Wong (Juniors)
Ngconge Othasive (U10)
Ntshaqa Ophola (U10)
Mkulisi Asavela (U12)
Zuko Buthelezi u10

Special Congratulations to Our Prize Winners
🏆 Asonele Maduna – U8 Winner
🏆 Khaohle Karabo – U12 Prize Winner
🥈 Thandoluhle Zulu – Tied 2nd Place (Juniors Section)
🥈 Thoriso Ledwaba – 2nd Place (Juniors Section)
🥉 Zuko Buthelezi – 3rd Place (U10 Section)

We would also like to extend our congratulations to Benjamin for his excellent performance in the Kings and Queens Tournament held in Sedibeng, where he achieved 2nd Place. This is a wonderful achievement, and we are proud of your hard work and dedication.

Congratulations to all our players and winners. Your commitment, perseverance, and love for chess continue to inspire us and make Knight Riders Chess Academy proud.
Keep striving for excellence and reaching new heights! ♟️🏆

Blairgowrie Primary
Johannesburg Metro Chess

Knight Riders Chess Academy was at the Queens of the Board Tournament today hosted by Blairgowrie Primary and Johannesburg Metro Chess supporting all the Queens!

Incredible talent all around and the Kings enjoyed some blitz moments too!

♟️🇿🇦 FROM THE CHESSBOARD TO THE FOOTBALL FIELD ⚽🇿🇦

At Knight Riders Chess Academy, we understand that champions are not made by talent alone. They are made through preparation, strategy, discipline and the courage to make the right move when it matters most.

Today, Bafana Bafana steps onto the field carrying the hopes of a nation.

Like a grandmaster approaching a crucial endgame, may every decision be calculated, every opportunity seized and every challenge met with confidence.

The best players don't simply react to the game, they anticipate, adapt and execute with purpose.

May your strategy be sharp, your teamwork strong, and your determination unwavering.
South Africa is behind you every step of the way.

Think. Move. Conquer.

Good luck, Bafana Bafana! 🇿🇦💛💚