Western Cape Chess Association

06/09/2026

🏆♟️ WESTERN CAPE TOP SCHOOLS — HIGH SCHOOL BOARD WINNERS! ♟️🏆

The board battles were intense, the competition was fierce, and these players rose to the challenge! 🔥

👏 Congratulations to our Western Cape Top Schools High School Board Winners!

Each board winner played a vital role in their school’s performance, demonstrating skill, strategy, determination and composure over the board.

From the opening moves to critical endgames, these young players showed exactly what it means to compete. ♟️💪

A huge congratulations to every board winner on this outstanding achievement! 🎉🏆 Your hard work, dedication and passion for the game have truly paid off.

We are incredibly proud of each of you and look forward to seeing what you achieve next. May this be just one of many more successes to come!

05/09/2026

🏆♟️ WESTERN CAPE TOP SCHOOLS HIGH SCHOOL TOURNAMENT ♟️🏆

Last weekend, 29–30 August 2026, Tafelberg School was buzzing with the sound of chess clocks, deep calculations and some seriously competitive school chess! ♟️🔥

We had a fantastic Western Cape Top Schools High School Tournament, bringing together teams from across the province, including:

📍 Eden
📍 Overberg
📍 Cape Winelands
📍 Cape Metro
📍 West Coast

Over two days, these talented young players represented their schools with pride, battling across the boards and showcasing skill, strategy, determination and sportsmanship. 💪♟️

It was fantastic to see schools from across the Western Cape coming together, competing at a high level and giving our young players the opportunity to challenge themselves against strong opposition from different regions.

A huge congratulations to all the players, coaches, schools, parents, organisers and officials who contributed to a fantastic weekend of competitive school chess.

Your dedication, passion and commitment continue to grow the game and strengthen the future of chess in the Western Cape. ♟️❤️

Well played, everyone! 🏆👏

21/08/2026

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]

12/08/2026

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.

09/08/2026

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. 🌸♟️

30/07/2026

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!

15/07/2026

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. 🇿🇦♟️

15/07/2026

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. 🇿🇦♟️