Helderberg Chess Club Hosts Final Mzanzi Prep Session
With Mzanzi Nationals fast approaching, Helderberg Chess Club gathered its qualified juniors for one last concentrated training session. Coach Armand Etsebeth ran a focused two-hour prep class designed to fine-tune their openings, tighten calculation habits, and reinforce practical endgame technique — the exact polish they need before stepping into a national arena.
This session took place at the home of Nikoleen van der Spuy, who generously opened her space to the team. While the players trained, the moms relaxed in the garden.
The road to Mzanzi hasn’t only been about preparation over the board. It’s also been a community effort. Through the Triggerfish Market events and the Spur fundraising initiative, the club successfully raised R8,000 to support travel and participation costs for the players. The goal was simple: make sure every qualified child gets to compete, regardless of financial pressure – and the community delivered.
Helderberg Chess Club continues to grow because people keep showing up for each other. To our players heading to Mzanzi: your hard work shows, your team is behind you, and we’re proud to see you take this next step. Go make some noise!
