Photo credit: Flashlight Pictures
At just 14 years old, talented Imkhitha Joya from Old Crossroads in Nyanga, Cape Town, was rewriting what’s possible for a young girl with big dreams and an even bigger heart. As one of South Africa’s brightest young talents in chess, she’s earned national recognition and international invitations. Now, all she needed was a helping hand to keep her momentum going.
Earlier this year, Imkhitha was crowned South African U14 Girls Chess Champion after finishing undefeated at the Junior Closed Chess Championships. She also swept the Western Cape High Schools U15 Girls section, winning every game with a perfect score of six out of six. Her CHESSA rating now stood at 1811, making her the top-ranked U14 girl and 6th overall among female players in South Africa.
Despite these remarkable achievements, the road had not been easy.
Photo credit: Flashlight Pictures
In 2025 alone, Imkhitha qualified to represent South Africa at the African Individual Chess Championships, the African Schools Championships, and the FIDE Youth Olympiad. But each time, she had to stay behind — not because she wasn’t good enough, but because there simply wasn’t enough money or time to raise what was needed.
Her coach and mentor, Thando Hlakula, says those missed opportunities had been some of the toughest parts of her journey. “She worked so hard to qualify, but without funding, we couldn’t make it happen. Watching her miss out on experiences she earned was heartbreaking.”
But now, there was a second chance.
Imkhitha was invited to represent South Africa at the World Youth Chess Championships in Albania this October, and the African Youth Chess Championships in Algeria this December. These two tournaments are not just another opportunity — they are pivotal moments in her development, stepping stones on her path to becoming a Woman International Master, and eventually a grandmaster.
To get to Albania, Imkhitha needed to raise over R94,000 on her BackaBuddy campaign. The total includes return flights, visas, entry fees, accommodation, and daily expenses for herself and her coach, who will also serve as her guardian abroad.
Imkhitha’s campaign has reached limits that were unimaginable, raising over R136000, far beyond their target of R100000 from 154 incredible donors, “It’s been so moving to see people stepping up for her. Every bit of support, no matter the size, shows her that her hard work is seen and valued.”
Photo credit: Flashlight Pictures
Imkhitha’s story began in 2020 when she was introduced to chess through a school programme at Isigcawu Primary. It didn’t take long for her teachers and coaches to realise she had something special — but talent didn’t bring her easy wins.
“She lost every single game in her first tournament,” Thando remembered. “But what stood out wasn’t the loss — it was how she responded. She didn’t cry. She didn’t complain. She asked when the next tournament was.”
“She kept showing up, kept learning, and kept improving.”
Since then, she’s become known not just for her sharp mind, but for her humility, focus, and work ethic. Some days, she trains for up to eight hours. “She has a hunger to learn that I’ve rarely seen,” says Thando. “She doesn’t want to just be the best — she wants to keep getting better.”
Her breakthrough came this year, when she returned to the SA Junior Closed Championships with one goal in mind: to win. “Last year, she came second and was crushed by it,” he shares. “She learned from that. This year, she came back stronger, beat the defending champion, and walked away undefeated. It was a proud moment — one we’ll never forget.”
But Imkhitha’s motivation is about more than titles. She sees herself as someone who can shift perceptions — not just of what chess is, but of who belongs in the game.
“Representing South Africa is something she takes very seriously,” says Thando. “Her story challenges what people think is possible for young girls in townships like Crossroads. She’s showing that brilliance, discipline, and greatness can come from anywhere — all they need is a chance.”
Traveling internationally won’t be easy for a 14-year-old, which is why Thando will accompany her to both Albania and Algeria.
“She needs someone she trusts by her side,” he explains. “Not just for logistics, but for emotional support. Someone to help her stay grounded, strategise between rounds, and remind her why she belongs on that stage.”
For now, Imkhitha was focused on raising the funds to get there.
“Any contribution, big or small, ensured that a young girl from a disadvantaged background wasn’t held back by lack of funds,” Thando said. “She’s had done the work. She’s earned the opportunity. We just needed the support to help her take that next step.”
To support Imkhitha Joya, visit her BackaBuddy campaign link here:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/get-imkhitha-to-the-world-chess-championships