The chessboard is set, and the pieces are ready to march! Tomorrow, July 26, 2025, marks the start of the highly anticipated Cape Town Chess Federation Club League, with the first round kicking off at 9:30 AM. This year’s A Division promises an electrifying season, featuring 12 powerhouse teams including defending champions Blackjacks A, newcomers promoted from last year’s B Division like Bellville A and Delft A, and established contenders such as Steinitz A, Manyanani A, and Stellenbosch A. As we gear up for weeks of tense battles, strategic brilliance, and unexpected upsets, let’s dive into the highlights, top players, and what makes this league a must-watch for chess enthusiasts.
Defending Champions: Blackjacks A – A Force to Reckon With
Last year’s premiere division (A Division) was dominated by Blackjacks A, who clinched the title with an impressive 19 points out of 22 possible (from 11 matches), amassing 61 individual game points. Their crosstable performance was stellar, with dominant wins like 7-1 against UCT A and 6.5-1.5 against Kraaifontein A, ACL A and Elsiesriver A , showcasing their depth and consistency. Key players from that victorious squad return this year, including FM Xikombiso Siphiwe Baloyi (Rtg 1885), NM Charlton Mnyasta (Rtg 2172), and RM Tezihano Mnyasta (Rtg 1955). Blackjacks A also boasts players like like RM Michael James (Rtg 1963) Reinier Claasen (Rtg 1975) and JNM Jiraan Braaf (Rtg 1929), making them favourites to defend their crown. Their blend of experience and youth could lead to another unbeaten run, but the competition is fiercer than ever.
Top Challengers Gunning for the Crown: Steinitz A Leads the Charge
While Blackjacks A enters as defending champions, several elite teams are poised to dethrone them, none more so than last year’s runners-up, Steinitz A, who finished just one point behind with 18 points and 60.5 game points . Steinitz A demonstrated remarkable resilience, securing key victories like 7.5-0.5 against Crossroads A and 7-1 against Grassy Park A, and they’re reloaded for 2025 with a formidable lineup including CM Reegan Palmer (2057), RM Ethan Samuels (2012), CM Kenneth Sean Willenberg (1927), and JM Shaurya Singh (1786). Hot on their heels are Manyanani A (3rd in 2024 with 17 points), boasting heavy hitters like FM Matfey Rogov (2348), IM Watu Kobese (2256), and FM Calvin John Klaasen (2187), whose high-octane style could overwhelm defenses. Don’t overlook Stellenbosch A, with stars like IM Henry Steel (2413) and FM Daniel Barrish (2284), or Crossroads A (4th last year), led by Sandiso Kedama (1918) and Imkhita Joya (1750). These teams, armed with depth and a hunger for redemption, are set to turn every round into a high-stakes showdown, potentially ending Blackjacks’ reign.
Promoted Teams: Bellville A and Delft A – Ready to Shake Up the Elite
Rising from the B Division ashes of 2024, Bellville A and Delft A earned their spots in the premiere league through sheer grit and tactical prowess. Bellville A topped the B standings with 21 points and 48 game points, featuring standout performers like Johannes Knipe (1850 rating, 6/11 points last year on board 1) and Andre Schutte (1835, an astounding 10.5/11 on board 2). Their team composition emphasised reliability, with Michael Van Schaik delivering 10/11 points on board 4 and Wouter Walters adding depth. This squad’s average rating of 1666 in 2024 highlighted their balanced attack, and now in 2025, they’ve bolstered with high-rated additions like Jacques Frick (1788). Expect Bellville A to bring aggressive play and challenge the top tiers right from the opener.
Delft A, finishing second in B Division with 17 points and 46 game points (tied but edging out on tiebreakers), was powered by Lutho Mfazwe’s dominant 8.5/11 on board 1 (1983 rating) and Malcolm Fredericks’ steady 7/10 on board 2. Their 2024 lineup included players like Sisipho Mbangi (7/7 on board 5) and Michael Mbayiwa (6.5/8), with an average rating of 1693 that punched above its weight. In 2025, Delft A retains stars like Mfazwe and adds depth with Fabio Bosch (1356) and Richard Mangoro (1636). As underdogs with promotion momentum, they’ll look to emulate their B Division performance.
These promoted teams aren’t just fillers -they represent the league’s vibrant growth, bringing fresh strategies and the hunger to prove themselves against established giants.
Top Players to Watch in 2025
This year’s player pool is stacked with talent, boasting international masters, FIDE masters, and emerging prodigies. Here’s a spotlight on some of the highest-rated and most impactful participants across the A Division:
| Player Name | Rating (Intl/Nat) | Team |
|---|---|---|
| IM Henry Steel | 2413/2443 | Stellenbosch A |
| IM Jan Karsten | 2385/2381 | Cape Town A |
| FM Daniel Barrish | 2284/2332 | Stellenbosch A |
| NM Stephan Wagner | 2264/2211 | Stellenbosch A |
| IM Malcolm Pein | 2259/- | Cape Town A |
| IM Watu Kobese | 2256/2264 | Manyanani A |
| FM Calvin Klaasen | 2187/2199 | Manyanani A |
| NM Charlton Mnyasta | 2172/2216 | Blackjacks A |
| FM Mohamed Bhawoodien | 2155/2192 | MRL A |
| IM David Gluckman | 2152/2181 | Cape Town A |
| FM Claus Pitschka | 2121/1493 | Cape Town A |
| FM Reegan Palmer | 2057/2035 | Steinitz A |
| PM Craig Willenberg | 2032/2088 | Steinitz A |
| RM Maxwell Solomon | 1874/1950 | MRL A |
| Rebecca Selkirk | 1823/1749 | Stellenbosch A |
| WIM Khadidja Latreche | 1943/1875 | Stellenbosch A |
Looking Ahead: Weeks of Tense Battles and Community Spirit
As the first round commences at 9:30 AM tomorrow, we look forward to many weeks of intense rivalries, brilliant sacrifices, and nail-biting time scrambles. The A Division schedule pits newcomers against veterans early on, setting the stage for dramatic narratives. Whether it’s Blackjacks defending their throne, Bellville and Delft disrupting the order, or under-the-radar teams like Crossroads A or Kraaifontein A pulling off miracles, this season embodies the spirit of Cape Town chess – inclusive, competitive, and endlessly exciting.
Stay tuned to chess-results.com for live updates, and join the conversation on social media. Who will emerge victorious? The board awaits- may the best strategist win!
