Chess coach Tshetlo Mafane has passed on his love for the game to his two daughters who have made him proud by winning chess competitions.
His eight-year-old daughter, Atlegang Mafane learnt chess from watching her father play chess with her older sister, Bontle Mafane (11).
Atlegang’s first chess competition was Ekurhuleni Springs Open where she scored three out of five in 2023.
She won her first competition, the Ekurhuleni Trials U8.
She qualified for the Gauteng Inter-Regions Chess Championships, but unfortunately, could not participate in certain competitions due to financial difficulties.
However, the tournaments she competed in were enough to place her in the top 10 for U8 girls in the country.
This earned her an invite to participate in the South African Junior Chess Championships held at Hoërskool Hans Moore in May where she finished in third place.
“From that competition, she earned South African colours and qualified for a few international events. We are waiting for the official letters so we can begin asking for sponsorships,” her father said.
He highlighted sponsorship has been the biggest challenge they have faced.
“It is expensive to play tournaments, especially the big events.
“Your child can miss out on an opportunity to represent the country if you cannot pay the required fees,” he added.
Tshetlo’s love for chess developed in high school when his friends taught him to play.
“I started playing chess in 2004, while in Grade 10. I qualified for the district five schools; we went to play for provincials.
“I represented Ekurhuleni U18 and U20. I have been playing chess ever since,” he said proudly.
Tshetlo said he teaches his daughters they have to put in the work if they want to achieve something.
“I always tell them life is not easy; you have to work hard to get something you want,” he said.
He hopes his daughters continue to embrace their passion for chess. He recalled how he encouraged his daughters by telling them about Jesse February.
She is a chess champion from South Africa who holds the title of Woman International Master and is a two-time SA women’s chess champion.
He showed them YouTube videos of February, reacting to Atlegang’s game in the African Youth Chess Championships.
She could not help but smile when her father mentioned the video.
Although his daughters’ journey in chess has not been one without obstacles, Tshetlo says he has high hopes for the future.
“I have friends and family who have helped us with accommodation and transport during events and I am grateful for them.
“Ekurhuleni Chess helped us with finances in the past. We are hoping for more sponsorship opportunities in the future,” he added.
Tshetlo provides chess lessons for those interested in learning the sport. He may be contacted on 067 124 2101.
