For the second year running St Francis College has clinched spots in the Sarah Baartman District Chess Union (SBDCU) team, to face opponents from across the Eastern Cape in Jeffreys Bay in October.
A total of 10 college players earned their district colours for 2023, with a particularly strong showing for the u/14 boys who have faced one of the biggest competitive sections over the course of four gruelling trial events this year.
Under the leadership of chess head, Sharon Slabbert, who introduced formal chess to the school, the sport’s popularity is skyrocketing.
Last year Ryan Marais and Conor Howell represented the district for u/14 and u/12 respectively, at the provincials in Komani, with Francis Sacks also making the selection, but unable to attend the event.
Howell went on to earn his Eastern Cape provincial colours in March this year, playing for the EC u/12 team against Lusaka.
Slabbert said that on July 29, the school’s district colours trebled, with seven more players qualifying.
“I am so proud of these kids. We do not have a formal chess coach or any regular training, but they are doing so well and are a fantastic team,” said Slabbert.
The college’s 2023 SBDCU team comprises Gabriel Pearton and Sean Watson (u/14 boys A-team), Conor Howell, Riley Wilson, and Robson Pacule (u/14 boys B-team), Tinashe Phiri (u/14 boys reserve), Tayla Watson (u/12 girls), Chen Wang and Damon Stantcheva (u/12 boys) and Taurin Marais (u/10).
Former learner, Marais, now in Grade 8 at Global Leadership Academy, also earned his district colours again, winning a place in the u/16 team.
Players have raked in several medals, top three places and other notable victories throughout this year’s chess league, including inter-school wins.
A total of 18 schools entered chess teams for the initial district trials, including several Kouga schools and teams from as far afield as Makhanda and KouKamma.
