Mthatha Campus Chess Club beat the odds at the 2022 Intervarsity tournament held in Komani, collectively gathering a total of four medals.
The team, captained by Thobile Mdumdum walked away with 2 gold medals, one silver and one bronze medal collectively.
“It was a tough road, but we soldiered past the challenges through great leadership amongst us and outstanding teamwork. It is especially exciting for us because we played against some of the best teams in the Eastern Cape,” said club captain, Thobile Mdumdum.
In Section A, the team collected a silver medal as they earned the 2nd spot, with the team captain and Philasande Nkatana receiving individual trophies for their outstanding performance.
Meanwhile, section B saw the team receive a gold medal for holding 1st position, with Sifiso Nodongwe, Bandile Sitali, Siyambonga Madikizela, and Stella Thimla also grabbing individual trophies.
“We are growing as a team and are becoming a force to be reckoned with amongst the greatest in the province, however, we would like to extend our skills into the national space.”
“When it comes to lessons that are applicable to life, I’ve now realised that when it comes to decision-making I can think two or three steps ahead,” said the captain.
While going toe-to-toe with Rhodes university in the open Section C of the tournament, Lwando Mahleza received a gold medal and a trophy, Ntando Jawuza collected a silver medal, while Kabelo Mpinda collected a bronze medal.
“Unfortunately, there is still much support needed towards the team, for instance, we still don’t have a kit or a budget to compete in other tournaments,” said Mdumdum.
She added, “it would be an honour for the team to compete in the USSA [University Sports South Africa] games. The team has shown so much dedication and we can go far if we get the support we need.”
By Ongezwa Sigodi
