Introducing the 2026 Midlands Chess League Champions

Season Finale Draws Players Across KZN to Cowan House Preparatory School in Hilton

 

The 2026 Midlands Chess League season concluded on Saturday, the 7th of November, as players emerged through the classic Hilton mist to gather at Cowan House Preparatory School for The Midlands Championship, the season's grand finale.

 

Reflecting the league's growing regional reach, competitors travelled from across KwaZulu-Natal, with 14 schools and clubs represented at the tournament. Players competed not only for the day's honours but also for valuable cumulative points towards the overall season standings.

 

The league comprised four tournaments held throughout the year, with each event featuring five rounds played at a time control of 15 minutes per player. The rapid format required players to think quickly and make decisions under time pressure.

 

The championship arena was overseen by Mr. Bheki Majoro and Mr. Zanokuthula Ndlovu, supported by a dedicated team of volunteers whose hard work ensured the tournament ran smoothly.

 

The Midlands Championship Tournament ResultsThe final tournament of the year delivered intense match-ups across all divisions, with top performers earning trophies and prizes:

 

Under-12 Division
• 1st Place: Devlin Moodley
• 2nd Place: Kai Moodley
• 3rd Place: Gabriel Asghar
• Top Girl: Bianca Govindasamy

 

Under-16 Division
• 1st Place: Chiral Perumal
• 2nd Place: Linamandla Madibe
• 3rd Place: Matthew Perez
• Top Girl: Gabrielle Naidoo

 

16+ Open Division
• 1st Place: Michael Jex
• 2nd Place: Ethan Koen
• 3rd Place: Ntobeko Ngcobo
• Top Girl: Ntobeko Ngcobo

 

First-place winners received a Debonairs Pizza Triple-Decker meal and drink, second-place winners received a Steers Panda Meal, and third-place winners enjoyed a Steers Oreo Ice Cream.

 

Special recognition was also given to individual achievers across the tournament. The tournament Top Girls in each division received signature handmade cupcake bouquets from Cakeaway, while the Senior Player of the Day was awarded a special gift hamper courtesy of Romseco, and the Youngest Player took home a fun-filled game card from Funtubbles.

 

Official 2026 Midlands Chess League Season Champions

 

Following a hard-fought season of tactical skill and consistency across a total of 20 rounds, the overall 2026 Midlands Chess League Champions were determined by their cumulative performances:

 

Under-12 Division
• 1st Place: Sam Churu
• 2nd Place: Troas Burt
• 3rd Place: Scott Du Plessis
• Top Girl: Joelle NaidooUnder-16 Division
• 1st Place: Matthew Perez
• 2nd Place: Linamandla Madibe
• 3rd Place: Shrivaan Sewram
• Top Girl: Gabrielle Naidoo

 

16+ Open Division
• 1st Place: Ethan Koen
• 2nd Place: Michael Jex
• 3rd Place: Ntobeko Ngcobo
• Top Girl: Ntobeko Ngcobo

 

The achievement marked a remarkable milestone for the Hilton Kids Chess Club, whose players claimed all three podium positions in the overall Under-12 season standings. This clean sweep is a testament to the club's growing strength and commitment to developing young chess talent.

 

The Midlands Chess League has been made possible through the support of local businesses and community partners who recognise the value of investing in youth development, education and sport. Their contributions have helped create memorable experiences for players and their families while strengthening the Midlands chess community.In the Under-12 Division, winners took home passes to the exhilarating Karkloof Canopy Tour, adventure tickets to Accrobranche, and a wooden chess set courtesy of Cash Crusaders Capital Centre.

 

Under-16 honours featured the premier prize of the season—a luxury two-night stay for four at Waterford Manor along the Mooi River—alongside tickets to the Karkloof Canopy Tour. Meanwhile, the 16+ Open Division champion secured a one-month full membership to Gym & Fitness Elite Club in Hilton, and overall Top Girl champions across divisions were treated to wellness vouchers from The Health Basket Hilton.

 

The league thanks Pam Golding Properties, Sign Solutions and Toy Hut for their support, as well as all the sponsors, arbiters and volunteers who helped make the 2026 season possible.

 

To get involved or receive 2027 league updates, WhatsApp LEAGUE to 078 688 4985.