From the dusty streets of Mabopane to junior Chess SA national championships:

Mavu Sport Development Coach, Khotso Lodi from Tshwane, Mabopane has four players from Soshangaan Primary School taking part in the Junior Chess National Championships in Kempton Park, Kopanong Hotel.

A young man/coach passionate and moved by his love for chess has managed to inspire and teach young Soshangaan Primary School learners the game of masters. 

At the age of 24, coach Khotso Lodi has had to develop a strong relationship with his learners/players; parents; school and Tshwane chess, handling fears of all stakeholders to assure and showcase his leadership skills as a coach.

With relentless desire to develop in chess. Coach Khotso introduced his siblings to the game, and the whole family was receptive to the game, encouraging the love Khotso had for coaching, hence the Mabopane born chess coach is the youngest in the Tshwane region to take four learners participate in the Junior national champs. 

Right Above: Khotso Lodi

An inspiring story that needs to be told now and forever about coach Khotso and how chess changed his life, to pulling him out of the pits, and reigniting hope and a way out to providing for his family.

Mrs. Judy-Marie Steenkamp from Tshwane Chess shared some of her excitement about coach Khotso’s selection as part of the Tshwane Chess coaches for the province. “Khotso is a breath of fresh air within our pool of coaches, he gives the Mabopane community something to shout about from the rooftops” – says Mrs. Steenkamp.

The Junior Chess SA national championships were hosted from the 18 – 24 March 2019 in Gauteng, Ekurhuleni, Kempton Park. Coach Khotso Lodi and Olebogeng Lodi, Isagoentle Lodi and Remoletile Shuping are the names of the young master minds coming out of Mabopane, Soshangaan Primary school. 

From Left to Right: Isagoentle Lodi; Remoletile Shuping; Coach Khotso Lodi and Olebogeng Lodi

The commitment and dedication put in by the players/learners display great determination to persevere within the Chess fraternity. Without the platform Mavu Sport Development provides for their volunteer coaches, one wonders what will happen to the untapped potential that lies in our less privileged communities. 

Mavu stands firm to their vision of offering access to sport at grassroots level. Most of the South African youth does not have access to regular sport activities. Mavu aims to transform the opportunities of our youth, creating a platform for transformation. Coach Khotso Lodi is the fruit of all the efforts made by Mavu Sport Development and the community of Mabopane.

Done by: Jabulani Mthombeni