Local chess starmakes her markon national stage

Local chess sensation Rachelle Kleynhans is capping off a stellar 2026 season after earning selection to represent the Eastern Cape U16 Girls Team at the prestigious Mzansi Inter-Regional Youth Chess Championships (MIYCC).

The upcoming national tournament will take place in Bloemfontein from December 13 to 19, where Kleynhans will go toe-to-toe with top players from across South Africa’s nine provinces and officially be awarded her Eastern Cape Provincial Colours.

Her national call-up follows a remarkably consistent year on the board, representing both Buffalo City and the Eastern Cape across multiple high-level regional and provincial competitions.

Kleynhans’ impressive 2026 track record includes: Spartan Bishops Inter-Regional Chess Tournament: Secured a bronze medal as part of the Crowns U14 team, helping the side place third overall.

Buffalo City Chess Trials (#4 & #5): Claimed 2nd place in the U16 Girls Section in back-to-back trial events.

Buffalo City Closed Chess Championship: Earned second place in the U16 Girls Section and finished 3rd overall.

Eastern Cape Inter-Regional Chess Festival: Awarded a silver medal after helping the Eastern Cape U16 team finish second out of seven regions.

Her dominant local performances previously earned her official Buffalo City Regional Colours.

Kleynhans will now look to build on her impressive season when she takes on some of South Africa’s top young chess players in Bloemfontein next month.