An international primary school chess tournament took place on March 7 at Loyola Primary School in Emdeni, Soweto, organised by the Nhlanhla Tshabalala Foundation. Learners from the school competed virtually against a junior chess team from Moscow, Russia, fostering cultural exchange and critical thinking. Two local players finished in the top five.
The tournament, held on March 7, 2026, provided a platform for young players to engage in friendly yet competitive matches. Organised by the Nhlanhla Tshabalala Foundation (NTF), which focuses on opportunities for children from disadvantaged communities through education, sports, and global exposure, the event connected pupils from Loyola Primary School (LPS) with their counterparts in Moscow.
Nhlanhla Tshabalala, founder of NTF, described the event as 'an incredible opportunity for our learners to test their skills on an international platform. We are immensely proud of their courage, discipline, and sportsmanship. Experiences like this inspire them to continue learning, growing, and believing in their potential.'
The virtual format highlighted chess's role in education, promoting skills such as problem-solving, concentration, patience, and resilience. Several LPS learners performed strongly, with one securing third place and another fifth place among the competitors.
NTF thanked the learners, chess coach, educators, and partners for enabling this international exchange. The event underscores growing interest in chess as a tool for global learning among primary school students.