Up-and-coming chess star Wanga Netshimbupfe says she is optimistic about winning her first international chess prize.
The 18-year-old, originally from Thohoyandou Unit C and now based in Leondale, Gauteng, has dominated local competitions and qualified for an international tournament.
A first-year biological science student at Wits University, Wanga will compete in the Commonwealth Chess Championships in Malaysia from 7 to 17 November.
Her mother, Ms Grace Netshimbupfe, who plays for the SAPS Chess national team, encouraged her to pursue the sport and has also served as her personal tutor.
Wanga says she is reaping the rewards of years of hard work. "I started playing chess in 2018 with the help of my mother. I also played at school and for the Ekurhuleni district. From there, I competed at provincial level and then nationally at the South African Junior Chess Championships (SAJCC), where I was ranked in the top 10. I also participated in the African Youth Tournament in 2024, where I qualified for the Commonwealth Chess Championships," she said.
She has also qualified for the African Youth Championships in Zimbabwe, which will take place from 8 December.
"I qualified in 2024 but could not participate because of financial constraints. It has been a long road, and I feel this year will be different. I do not have the finances for this trip but would depend on the goodwill of Good Samaritans. I promise I will not disappoint them and will bring something back to make them proud," Wanga said.
Her mother expressed confidence in her daughter's chances, despite the financial challenges. "She is ready, and I am confident she will bring back a prize. The only snag is finance. The trip to Malaysia will cost around R44,000, while the December tournament in Zimbabwe will require around R30,000," she said.