Major moves for the game at Moja Chess Extravaganza in Kimberley

THE CITY of Kimberley sparkled once again as the proud host of the recent Moja Chess Extravaganza, one of the nation’s most prestigious chess tournaments.

The event, held at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre from September 25-29, attracted players and spectators from across Southern Africa, Russia, and beyond, filling the city with excitement and drawing visitors to the city’s historic streets.

With support from the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism, the organisers successfully demonstrated their capability to host large-scale events in Kimberley, benefiting both the chess community and the local economy.

The city, known for its rich history and cultural heritage, proved to be an ideal setting for a competition centred around intellect and strategy.

The tournament showcased top chess talent from Africa and beyond. With a total prize fund of R274,500 and fierce competition over the five days, the tournament solidified its reputation as one of the premier chess events in South Africa.

Players from seven countries, including Russia, South Africa, Zambia, and Lesotho, competed in what turned out to be a thrilling display of skill and strategy.

For Candidate Master (CM) Rogov Matfey, the Chess Extravaganza was a defining moment in his burgeoning chess career. After five days of intense competition, the 17-year-old Russian player triumphed in the prestige section, earning the title and a prize of R50,000. Matfey’s victory came after facing tough competition that only emphasised his extraordinary skill and mental endurance.

Matfey’s success, especially in a tournament that featured top-ranked players like International Master (IM) Gillian Bwalya of Zambia and IM Daniel Cawdery from South Africa, was a significant accomplishment.

His journey through the tournament provided him with valuable experience, solidifying his growing reputation within the international chess community.

Dr. Jabulani Mokoena, founder of the Moja Chess Club, reiterated his long-term vision for chess in South Africa, aiming to see at least six grandmasters in the country within the next decade.

Educational and strategic benefits

The tournament also highlighted the educational and strategic benefits of chess, and local support from Northern Cape Chess, Frances Baard Chess, and other stakeholders was critical in securing this year’s successful event.

Dr. Mokoena says he believes that this tournament has contributed significantly to the chess scene in the region, inspiring players of all levels saying it was a crucial step toward making chess more prominent in South Africa.

Gayton McKenzie, Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, previously stated, “Chess has always been treated like a stepchild, but it’s about to take its rightful place in South Africa.”

To that end, the Moja Chess Extravaganza played a vital role in fostering this change, helping elevate chess’s status in the country’s sporting landscape.

The tournament also served to highlight Kimberley’s growing chess scene, with the Northern Cape Chess community taking pride in hosting an event of such calibre.

Kimberley continues to reinforce its reputation as a chess hub, and the successful conclusion of the tournament suggests that even more prominent events could be hosted here in the future.

Prestige Section:

Winner: CM Rogov Matfey (Russia)

2nd place: IM Gillian Bwalya (Zambia)

3rd place: IM Daniel Cawdery (South Africa)

4th place: Dumisani Jakob Mnguni (South Africa)

5th place: CM Lyndon Bouah (South Africa)

B Section:

Winner: Osia Phokela (South Africa)

2nd place: AFM Peter Letsoalo (South Africa)

3rd place: Talifhani Ndwambi (South Africa)

4th place: Pudungwane Lesole (Botswana)

5th place: Ettiene Kapp (South Africa)

Women’s Section:

Winner: WIM Jesse February (South Africa)

2nd place: WIM Anzel Laubscher (South Africa)

3rd place: Jacqui Grobbelaar (South Africa)

4th place: Sizakele Masango (South Africa)

5th place: Denise Bouah (South Africa)