South Africa's chess teams have made a significant impact at the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The country's Open team, with an average age of 20, finished 82nd out of around 200 nations, while the Women's team placed 96th. Despite not winning gold medals, the teams secured two new international titles and achieved major upsets against grandmasters. The Open team was led by captain IM Henry Steel from Stellenbosch.
The Open team's success was largely driven by 16-year-old International Master Caleb Levitan, who debuted at 14 in Budapest in 2024. Charlton Mnyasta, a debutant from Elsies River, Cape Town, was a standout player, anchoring the team with a 65% win rate and securing 6½ points across 10 games. Mnyasta's performance earned him the FIDE Master title. The team's youthful energy and determination were key factors in their success.
The Women's team, captained by Grandmaster Kenny Solomon from Mitchells Plain, also achieved notable results. The team balanced youthful momentum with decades of experience, featuring players such as Woman International Master Anzel Laubscher, who first represented South Africa 28 years ago in 1998. The team pulled off upsets against higher-seeded Costa Rica and Luxembourg.
Sizakele Masango, a young player from the Women's team, emerged as a top scorer, racking up 6 points in 10 games and earning the Woman FIDE Master title on her debut. Masango's achievement is a significant milestone, demonstrating her potential as a serious talent in the chess world. The team's performance was marked by fierce determination and a strong team dynamic.
The 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad saw heavyweight nations trading blows at the top of the standings, with host nation Uzbekistan claiming the open gold and China dominating the women's section. However, for South Africa, success was measured by the achievements of its young players, such as Mnyasta and Masango, who demonstrated their ability to compete against the world's best.
The South African team's performance has raised expectations for the 2028 Olympiad in Abu Dhabi. With a young and talented squad, the team is expected to arrive not just as participants but as a team capable of striking back and achieving even greater success. The team's experience at the 2026 Olympiad will undoubtedly serve as a valuable foundation for future competitions.
The achievements of South Africa's young chess stars have been hailed as a significant milestone for the country's chess community. With the support of experienced players and coaches, the team's success is a testament to the country's growing chess talent and its potential to make a lasting impact on the international chess scene.
Key points
- South Africa's young chess stars shine at the 2026 Olympiad
- The country's Open and Women's teams secure two new international titles and achieve major upsets against grandmasters
- The team's success is a significant milestone for South Africa's chess community, demonstrating its growing talent and potential for future success
