Major chess championship set to attract nation's best junior players
The South African Junior Closed Chess Championship 2025 (SAJCCC 2025), one of the most distinguished events in the national chess calendar, is poised to commence from 31 March to 5 April 2025 at Hottentots Holland High School in Somerset West, Western Cape. Organised by Western Cape Chess under the auspices of Chess South Africa, this eminent tournament will bring together an impressive 720 of the country’s top junior chess players, ranging from Under 8 to Under 20, all competing in both open and female sections.
The SAJCCC 2025 not only highlights the burgeoning chess talent across South Africa but also serves a crucial role as a qualifying event for aspiring junior players aiming to represent their country in prestigious international competitions such as the World Youth and African Youth Championships. Each participating player has earned their entry through a rigorous selection process that includes Grand Prix rankings, ratings, and qualification tournaments, lending a credible edge to the competition.
Throughout nine rounds of classical chess, these emerging talents will demonstrate their strategic acumen and unwavering determination in their pursuit of national glory during six days of concentrated competition. The event will also commemorate the significance of chess as a tool for fostering critical thinking, discipline, and strategic planning in the youth. Various dignitaries are slated to attend the opening and closing ceremonies, underscoring the growing prominence of chess within South Africa’s educational and cultural landscape.
Aldo Pekeur, President of Chess South Africa, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming championship by stating, “The South African Junior Closed Chess Championship is a cornerstone of our efforts to develop the next generation of chess champions. We are thrilled to host this event in Somerset West and look forward to witnessing the incredible talent and determination of our junior players.”
To ensure inclusivity, the championship will benefit from individual and corporate sponsorships aimed at covering tournament entry fees for underprivileged players who might otherwise be unable to partake. These contributions will also help subsidise Chess SA subscriptions, allowing talented young players from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to grow and excel in a competitive arena. By supporting this worthwhile initiative, sponsors will significantly contribute to nurturing future chess champions while revitalising Chess South Africa and promoting a more inclusive chess community where every player has an equitable chance to succeed.
Among the standout competitors anticipated to take the stage are some of South Africa’s most promising young stars: Raynier Claassen (Western Cape), the current Under 14 Open African Champion; Helen Rautenbach (Gauteng), the reigning Under 14 Girls South African and African Champion; Amahle Zenzile (Western Cape), the current Under 16 Girls South African Champion; Imkhitha Joya (Western Cape), a rising star in the Under 14 Girls category, celebrated for her remarkable talent and resilience; Caleb Levitan, the number one ranked player, making waves at just 15 years of age; and Chisomo Bashoma, recently crowned Woman FIDE Master, poised to add excitement to the tournament.
As the countdown to the SAJCCC 2025 begins, anticipation builds for a display of exceptional skill, competitive spirit, and the celebration of budding talent that could define the future of chess in South Africa.