Iviwe Sizani: Journey to her chess dream

31/08/2026

31/08/2026

♟️ 29 August 2026 | YCA TDP Team Event ♟️

Ending Women’s Month on a high note! Five rounds, undefeated — 4 wins and 1 draw. 💪🏽🔥

Although our team may not have achieved the result we hoped for, she delivered an outstanding individual performance, showing remarkable consistency, resilience and fighting spirit throughout the event. ♟️❤️

16/08/2026

15 August 2026 | NMBCU Closed Championship ♟️

Probably the longest day of chess ever! We left home at 07:30 and only made it back at 18:30. 😅

But what a rewarding and fruitful day it was — for both mother and daughter. It felt good to be actively involved and to be part of the chess community beyond the board. ❤️♟️

Congratulations to all the winners, and well done to everyone who took part in the tournament. 👏🏽

A special thank you to the LOC for recognising and celebrating the girl-child in chess. As we continue in the spirit of advancing women in chess, I hope this becomes more than just a Women’s Month initiative. May we continue to see meaningful recognition and opportunities for women and girls at every tournament, throughout the year. 💪🏽♟️

Here’s to creating space, opening doors and building a stronger future for women in chess. ♟️✨


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10/08/2026

♟️ Western Cape Women’s Chess Championship | 07 August 2026

The journey to her journey… ❤️♟️

The journey started with a beautiful day in the Cape, making memories along the way. From quad biking at the Atlantis Dunes, to swimming in the heated pool, and ending a long day with a well-deserved full-body massage. What a way to prepare for another chess adventure! 🏜️🏊🏽‍♀️✨

The next day, the Juniors started their tournament. With 3 wins out of 5 rounds, she secured the title of Best Female U12! 🏆♟️

Totally unplanned, but since we were already booked at Club Mykonos until Monday, she agreed to take on the Intermediate Section, starting on Saturday.

Five rounds. Four boys and one girl opponent — all over the age of 15. 💪🏽♟️

She held her own and secured 3 wins out of 5 rounds! 👏🏽🔥

What an incredible long weekend — filled with adventure, challenges, chess, and memories that will last a lifetime. ❤️

A huge shout-out to West Coast Chess for hosting such a well-run tournament and creating a wonderful experience for all the players.

Another chapter in the Chess Journey. Another reminder that the odds don’t determine the outcome. ♟️✨

05/08/2026

2 days to go… ♟️💐
Excited and honoured to be part of the Chess South Africa Women’s Day Video Campaign. Every chess journey has a story. Here’s Iviwe’s. Stay tuned!

21/07/2026

Back to school, back to the chessboard! ♟️

After a two-week break from chess, we enjoyed a lovely afternoon at TDP’s premises, blessed with beautiful weather that created the perfect relaxed atmosphere.

A delicious late lunch, cold drinks, and snacks were shared as everyone came together for 67 minutes of chess, hosted by Youth Chess Academy.

From preschoolers to TDP employees, everyone took part, proving that chess truly is a game for all ages.

Well done to everyone who joined us on the very first day back at school and reminded the adults that in chess, age is just a number.

14/07/2026

Western Cape Chess Association

06/07/2026

05 July 2026 ♟️

After three days of intense battles, the final game slipped away and with it a possible podium finish. That’s chess.

She started the tournament ranked 8th out of 40 players in her age group and finished exactly where she started—holding onto her position against a strong field.

I’m incredibly proud of your resilience, determination, and fighting spirit. Every tournament is another lesson, another step, another opportunity to grow.

Now it’s back to the board, back to the hard work, because the journey to the top continues. One move at a time. ❤️♟️


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06/07/2026

With Western Cape Chess Association – I just got recognised as one of their top fans! 🎉