Nyanga chess prodigy to represent SA on global stage

At just 14 years old, Imkhitha Joya from Old Crossroads in Nyanga, is one of South Africa’s brightest young talents in chess. 

She’s earned national recognition and international invitations - now all she needs is the public’s help to keep her momentum going.

Earlier this year, Imkhitha was crowned South African U14 Girls Chess Champion after finishing undefeated at the Junior Closed Chess Championships. She also swept the Western Cape High Schools U15 Girls section, winning every game with a perfect score of six out of six. Her CHESSA rating now stands at 1811, making her the top-ranked U14 girl and 6th overall among female players in South Africa.

Despite these remarkable achievements, the road has not been easy.

This year Imkhitha qualified to represent South Africa at the African Individual Chess Championships, the African Schools Championships, and the FIDE Youth Olympiad. But each time, she had to stay behind because there simply wasn’t enough money or time to raise what was needed.

Her coach and mentor, Thando Hlakula, said those missed opportunities have been some of the toughest parts of her journey. 

“She worked so hard to qualify, but without funding, we couldn’t make it happen. Watching her miss out on experiences she earned was heartbreaking.”

Now there’s a second chance as Imkhitha has been invited to represent South Africa at the World Youth Chess Championships in Albania this October, and the African Youth Chess Championships in Algeria this December. These two tournaments are pivotal moments in her development and stepping stones on her path to becoming a Woman International Master, and eventually a grandmaster.

To get to Albania, Imkhitha needs to raise R94 100. The total includes return flights, visas, entry fees, accommodation, and daily expenses for herself and her coach, who will also serve as her guardian abroad.

“So far, we’ve raised just over R19 000 from eight incredible donors,” said Hlakula. “It’s been so moving to see people stepping up for her. Every bit of support, no matter the size, shows her that her hard work is seen and valued.”

Imkhitha’s story began in 2020 when she was introduced to chess through a school programme at Isigcawu Primary. It didn’t take long for her teachers and coaches to realise she had something special, but talent didn’t bring her easy wins.

“She lost every single game in her first tournament,” Hlakula remembers. “What stood out wasn’t the loss, it was how she responded. She didn’t cry. She didn’t complain. She asked when the next tournament was. She kept showing up, kept learning, and kept improving.”

Since then, she’s become known not just for her sharp mind, but for her humility, focus, and work ethic. Some days, Imkhitha trains for up to eight hours. 

“She has a hunger to learn that I’ve rarely seen,” Hlakula said. 

Her breakthrough came this year, when she returned to the SA Junior Closed Championships with one goal in mind: to win. 

“Last year, she came second and was crushed by it. She learned from that. This year, she came back stronger, beat the defending champion, and walked away undefeated. It was a proud moment.”

Imkhitha’s motivation is about more than titles. She sees herself as someone who can shift perceptions - not just of what chess is, but of who belongs in the game.

“Representing South Africa is something she takes very seriously. Her story challenges what people think is possible for young girls in townships like Crossroads. She’s showing that brilliance, discipline, and greatness can come from anywhere,” said Hlakula.

To support Imkhitha, visit her BackaBuddy campaign: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/get-imkhitha-to-the-world-chess-championships

Cape Times