The past few weeks have been hugely successful for Helderberg Chess Club, with our players delivering exceptional performances at both the 2026 WCSC HS Individual Championship in George on the weekend of 2 May, and the 2026 WCSC PS Individual Championship in Gansbaai on the weekend of 16 May.

These prestigious events were regional closed championships, featuring many of the strongest young chess players in the province. Helderberg Chess Club is incredibly proud to have had such a large number of players selected to represent the Cape Town Metro region. Every Helderberg player competing at these events received regional colours — a major achievement and recognition of the hard work and dedication shown throughout the season.

Across both championships, Helderberg players returned home with podium finishes, Top 15 medals, and many excellent performances in their respective age and gender divisions.

High Schools Championship — George (2 May Weekend)

Helderberg Chess Club produced several strong results at the High Schools Championship in George, with multiple players finishing inside the Top 15 in highly competitive sections.

High School Medal Winners (Top 15)

• Alyssa Bolton (U15 Girls) — 6th place, 5/6
• Aleks Guo (U15 Boys) — 11th place, 4/6
• Palesa Pfukwa (U15 Girls) — 12th place, 4/6
• Dawid Kruger (U15 Boys) — 14th place, 4/6
• Albert van der Spuy (U18 Boys) — 14th place, 4/6

Other Strong High School Performances

• Feraydo Adolf (U15 Boys) — 16th place, 3/6
• Alyssa De Silva (U15 Girls) — 18th place, 4/6
• Amori Webb (U15 Girls) — 66th place, 2/6

Primary Schools Championship — Gansbaai (16 May Weekend)

The Primary Schools Championship in Gansbaai produced incredible results for Helderberg Chess Club, including podium finishes and multiple medal winners.

A massive congratulations goes to Rujeko Pfukwa, who produced a flawless tournament to finish 1st out of 84 players with a perfect 6/6 score, earning a gold medal and podium finish.

Another outstanding achievement came from Joshua Nel, who secured 2nd place in the U11 Boys section with an unbeaten 5.5/6 score against a field of 94 players.

Primary School Medal Winners (Top 15)

• Freyja Griessel (U7 Girls) — 8th place, 4/6
• Ruan Beukes (U7 Boys) — 13th place, 4/6
• Lana de Bruyn (U9 Girls) — 4th place, 5/6 and undefeated
• Lila de Wet (U9 Girls) — 5th place, 5/6
• Sarah Leigh Crafford (U9 Girls) — 8th place, 4.5/6
• Emma Koen (U9 Girls) — 13th place, 4/6

• Evan de Wet (U9 Boys) — 6th place, 5/6
• Cayden Poole (U9 Boys) — 7th place, 5/6
• Rujeko Pfukwa (U13 Girls) — 1st place, 6/6
• Joshua Nel (U11 Boys) — 2nd place, 5.5/6
• Josua Baruch Kruger (U11 Boys) — 5th place, 5/6
• Liam Rule (U11 Boys) — 9th place, 4.5/6 and undefeated
• Michael Venter (U11 Boys) — 11th place, 4.5/6
• Jason Griesel (U11 Boys) — 12th place, 4.5/6

Other Strong Primary School Performances

• Elbe Klopper (U9 Girls) — 17th place, 4/6
• Nicola Walters (U9 Girls) — 26th place, 4/6
• Joanna Geduldt (U9 Girls) — 26th place, 3.5/6
• Zoey de Wet (U9 Girls) — 27th place, 3/6
• Trinity Isaacs (U9 Girls) — 28th place, 3/6
• Raphaella Koutsis (U9 Girls) — 37th place, 3/6
• Sherry Ann Shinoy (Girls Section) — 45th place, 3/6
• Cullen Beukes (U9 Boys) — 53rd place, 3/6
• Kuriakose Shanly Shinoy (U9 Boys) — 57th place, 2/6
• Migael Kruger (Boys Section) — 19th place, 4/6
• Chardonay Adolf — 1.5/6

Importantly, every Helderberg player earned a placing within their respective age and gender divisions — a fantastic achievement that reflects the depth and growth of the club.

Proud of Every Player

These championships were about far more than medals. They showcased resilience, discipline, sportsmanship, and the willingness to battle through long, demanding tournaments against some of the strongest young players in the province.

Helderberg Chess Club is incredibly proud of every player who represented both the club and Cape Town Metro in George and Gansbaai. Thank you as well to the parents, coaches, organisers, and supporters who continue to make these opportunities possible.

The future of Helderberg chess continues to look exceptionally strong. ♟️