Moja Chess Extravaganza 2026: celebrating strategic brilliance and emerging talent
The final games of the Moja Chess Extravaganza 2026 which was held at the Bellville Velodrome over the past weekend.
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Cape Town’s status as a global chess destination was reaffirmed this week as the Moja Chess Extravaganza 2026 concluded, seeing FM (Fide Master) Joseph Mwale and WIM (Woman International Master) Jesse Nikki February claim top honours in a high-stakes display of strategic brilliance.
The prestigious tournament, which ran from 25 to 30 April, drew elite competitors from across South Africa and 12 international nations. With a substantial prize pool of R257,467 distributed across five competitive sections, the event delivered a blend of grandmaster-level precision and local grit.
Dr Jabulani Mokoena, founder of Moja Chess Solutions and the tournament director, described the event as a vital developmental platform.
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Dr Jabulani Mokoena, founder of Moja Chess Solutions and the tournament director, described the event as a vital developmental platform. He emphasised that the Extravaganza is designed to identify and support future champions from Southern Africa, providing them with essential opportunities to earn FIDE (the Fédération Internationale des Échecs) norms and experience international-level competition within a vibrant community.
In the flagship Prestige Section, FM Joseph Mwale secured a commanding first-place finish, taking home the R50,000 top prize. Mwale set a relentless pace from the opening round, maintaining his composure against a dense field of titled players to finish ahead of IM (International Master) Jan Karsten and IM Gillan Bwalya.
The Moja Chess winners holding up their trophies.
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The Ladies Section was equally hard-fought, with WIM Jesse Nikki February claiming the title through a series of composed and consistent performances. Reflecting on her victory, February spoke warmly of her connection to the tournament and her enduring love for the game. She was followed on the podium by WIM Denise Bouah and Sizakele Masango.
Beyond the professional tiers, Section B proved to be one of the most unpredictable categories of the week. CM Joao Farisse ultimately prevailed in a section where several players remained in contention until the final moves of the ninth round. Similarly, in Section C, Manamela William Malose secured victory following a strong finish in what was the most open field of the event.
All the Moja Prize winners at the Moja Chess Extravaganza that was helf this weekend at the Bellville Velodrome.
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Adding a change of pace to the week, a Blitz tournament was held during a mid-event break. FM Matfey Rogov demonstrated exceptional speed and precision to take first place in the fast-format competition.
The tournament has received widespread acclaim for its professional organisation. Kumar Paallav, a parent of one of the participating players, praised the "superbly organised" event, noting the great experience it provided for young emerging talent. As the 2026 edition draws to a close, the Moja Chess Extravaganza cements its reputation as a cornerstone of the Southern African chess calendar.
Final Standings and Prize Winners
Prestige Section 1st: FM Joseph Mwale – R50,000 2nd: IM Jan Karsten – R25,000 3rd: IM Gillan Bwalya – R10,000 4th: FM Banele Mhango – R10,000 5th: FM Matfey Rogov – R10,000
Ladies Section 1st: WIM Jesse Nikki February – R25,000 2nd: WIM Denise Bouah – R15,000 3rd: Sizakele Masango – R7,500 4th: WRM Jacqui Grobbelaar – R7,500 5th: WPM Joya Imkhita – R3,000
Section B 1st: CM Joao Farisse – R25,000 2nd: Lizo Sikwati – R8,250 3rd: Minenhle Ngcongo – R8,250 4th: Clayton Macheka – R8,250 5th: Cherwin Kleinsmidt – R8,250
Section C 1st: Manamela William Malose – R12,000 2nd: Khanyisile Majiba – R5,333 3rd: Nkateko Ritshuri – R5,333 4th: Lezerick Cunningham – R5,333 5th: Benjamim Filipe – R667
Blitz Tournament 1st: FM Matfey Rogov – R3,500 2nd: IM Oatlhotse Providence – R2,000 3rd: IM Gillan Bwalya – R767 4th: Matsobane Mailula – R767 5th: CM Reegan Palmer – R767