Western Cape Chess Association

The Western Cape Chess Association (WCCA) confirms that Reuben Salimu has tendered his resignation as President, effective immediately, for personal and family reasons.

On behalf of Exco, Council, and the broader WCCA community, we thank Reuben for his leadership and service to chess in the Western Cape, and we wish him and his family well.

In terms of the WCCA Constitution, Deputy President Ryno Blignaut is assuming interim leadership responsibilities while Exco confirms arrangements for the remainder of the term. WCCA's programmes, events and administration continue without interruption.

Further updates will follow through official WCCA channels.

Queries: [email protected]

There’s something really special about seeing women of different ages at one tournament, all there for the same reason: because they love the game. ♟️💙

This Women’s Month, we want to celebrate the women and girls who are part of chess in the Western Cape.

The recent Women’s Tournament at Club Mykonos in Langebaan was a wonderful reminder of just how much talent, determination and passion there is. From younger players taking their place at the board to experienced women who have been playing for years, it was fantastic to see so many generations coming together.

Chess doesn’t care about your age. It doesn’t care where you come from or how long you’ve been playing. You sit down, the clock starts, and you play.

And that’s what makes days like this so special.

Here’s to the women who play, the women who encourage others to play, and all the girls who are discovering chess and finding their place in the game.

Today, we celebrate the women who make bold moves, break barriers, lead with purpose and never underestimate the power of their next move. ♟️💙

From the chessboard to the boardroom, the classroom to the community — your voice, your vision and your strength matter.

To every woman in the Western Cape chess community: keep showing up, keep challenging the game, and keep making every move count.

Happy Women’s Day. 🌸♟️

ENTRIES ARE CLOSING SOON!

Don't miss your chance to be part of the Western Cape Women's Championship 2026!

This prestigious championship is attracting competitors from across South Africa as well as international players, making it a truly exciting event with a strong and diverse field of competition.

7–10 August 2026
Club Mykonos, Langebaan

Whether you're competing for the title, looking to gain valuable tournament experience, or eager to test your skills against a strong field of players, this championship promises an unforgettable chess experience.

Enter now before entries close:
https://chessworks.co.za/tournament/western-cape-womens-championship-2026

If you have any trouble making your booking, please contact us and we'll gladly assist you.

Please share this post, tag your chess friends, and help us spread the word so no one misses out!

A massive congratulations to IM Henry Steel, one of our WCCA champions, who has just been appointed Coach of the South African Open Team for the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan (September).
As the country's highest rated player, Henry brings exactly what a young squad needs on the world's biggest stage: experience, steady leadership, and someone who knows what the pressure feels like. This is a new generation getting to go to the Olympiad with one of our finest at their side.
Best of luck Henry, and all success to the team in Samarkand. 🇿🇦♟️

🇿🇦 IM HENRY STEEL TO COACH SOUTH AFRICA’S OPEN TEAM IN SAMARKAND

Chess South Africa is delighted to confirm that International Master Henry Steel will lead the South African Open Team as Coach at the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, this September.

Henry needs little introduction. As the country’s highest rated player, he has spent his career at the front of South African chess.

What makes this appointment special is the team he inherits. South Africa travels to Samarkand with the youngest squad it has ever sent to an Olympiad.

A young team on a big stage needs someone who has been there, who knows what the pressure feels and who can steady the team between rounds. Henry brings exactly that.

We look forward to seeing IM Henry Steel back in the green and gold — and to watching a new generation of South African players take their first steps at the Olympiad with one of our finest at their side.

Congratulations, Henry. Go well in Samarkand. 🇿🇦♟️

A massive congratulations to GM Kenny Solomon, one of our WCCA champions, who has just been appointed Coach of the South African Women's Team for the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan (September).

Kenny brings world-class expertise and a deep understanding of elite competition. We're genuinely proud to see him leading our women's team on this world stage.
Best of luck Kenny, and all success to the team in Samarkand. 🇿🇦♟️

🇿🇦 CHESS SOUTH AFRICA APPOINTS GM KENNY SOLOMON AS WOMEN’S TEAM COACH

Chess South Africa is pleased to announce the appointment of Grandmaster Kenny Solomon as Coach of the South African Women’s Team for the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad, taking place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, this September.

As South Africa’s first and only Grandmaster, Kenny has represented the country with distinction and competed at the highest levels of international chess. His extensive playing experience, technical knowledge and understanding of elite competition will be important assets as the team prepares for the world’s premier national team event.

This appointment strengthens South Africa’s commitment to providing our national players with experienced leadership, structured preparation and the highest possible standard of technical support.

We are proud to have one of South African chess’s most accomplished figures contributing to the development and performance of our Women’s Team on the international stage.

Chess South Africa congratulates GM Kenny Solomon on his appointment and wishes him and the team every success in Samarkand.

Please join us in congratulating GM Kenny Solomon. 🇿🇦♟️

♟️ 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚

The Western Cape Chess Association extends its warmest congratulations to 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 on claiming 4th place at the FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Championship 2026 African Continental Stage, held in Stellenbosch from 7 to 10 July.

Against some of the strongest young chess teams on the continent, Holy Cross delivered a campaign to be proud of: five wins from eight rounds, finishing on 10 match points and remaining in the race for a continental medal until the very last day.

The team's quality showed in the biggest moments, sweeping Namibia's Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaatskool 4-0 and adding two individual honours to the campaign, with 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 claiming gold on Board 2 and 𝐉𝐊 𝐌𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐮 earning silver on the reserve board.

To the Holy Cross players, coaches, parents and supporters: this is a result that belongs to all of you, and one that speaks to the depth of talent coming through Western Cape schools chess. The province is immensely proud.

Full results: https://s1.chess-results.com/tnr1449657.aspx?lan=1 ♟️

♟️ 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗜𝗗𝗘 𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗙 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 ♟️

Alongside the team medals, gold, silver, and bronze were awarded to the best performers on each board at the African Continental Stage, held at the Coetzenburg Center in Stellenbosch from 7 to 10 July.

South African players featured on three of the four board podiums, with a fourth medal on the reserve board.

Board 1
🥇 Melquesideque Paulo (Angola, Instituto Industrial)
🥈 𝗔𝗯𝘂 𝗕𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗮𝘀 (𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮, 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹)
🥉 Ronald Wabwire (Uganda, Sr. Miriam Duggan Primary School)

Board 2
🥇 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻 𝗔𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 (𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮, 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆)
🥈 Trevor Tumukunde (Uganda, Sr. Miriam Duggan Primary School)
🥉 Manuel Carlos (Angola, Instituto Industrial)

Board 3
🥇 Natalie Ndoro (Zimbabwe, Budiriro 4 Primary School)
🥈 Bafokeng Khotso (Lesotho, St Stephen's Diocesan High School)
🥉 Irwin Ndegwa (Kenya, Moi Nyeri Complex Primary School)

Board 4
🥇 Aditya Rathore (Tanzania, Aga Khan School)
🥈 WCM Juliet Asaba (Uganda, Sr. Miriam Duggan Primary School)
🥉 𝗔𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗮𝗻 𝗩𝗹𝗼𝗸 (𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮, 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹)

Reserve Board
🥇 Eunilton Tivane (Mozambique, Colégio A Arca do Saber)
🥈 𝗝𝗞 𝗠𝗽𝘂𝗿𝘂 (𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮, 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆)

Congratulations to every medallist on a memorable week of chess in Stellenbosch.

♟️ Full board results: https://chess-results.com/tnr1449657.aspx?lan=1&art=81&flag=30