Gauteng Chess Honours Olympiad Representatives at Gala Capping Ceremony

Gauteng Province Chess, in collaboration with Chess South Africa, proudly hosted a Gala Dinner and Capping Ceremony at Mr George in Melrose Arch, celebrating Gauteng-based players who will represent South Africa at the 46th FIDE World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
The prestigious Olympiad will take place from 15 to 27 September 2026 and is expected to bring together 398 teams representing 206 national federations, making it one of the largest and most important events on the international chess calendar.

The evening provided an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication, achievements and commitment of the Gauteng players who have earned the honour of representing South Africa on the world stage.

The Gauteng representatives recognised during the ceremony were:

• James Dinham
• IM Caleb Levitan
• IM Banele Mhango
• WFM Chloe Badenhorst
• Zizakele Masango
• WCM Hayley Nel

As part of the ceremony, the players were formally awarded their Gauteng Provincial Colours, recognising their outstanding contribution and achievements within the province.

A particularly proud moment followed when Chess South Africa Vice President 2, Dr Shaun Levitan, presented the players with their South African National Colours, officially recognising them as representatives of the country ahead of their departure for Uzbekistan.

Receiving national colours is one of the highest honours available to a South African sportsperson and represents far more than individual achievement. It carries with it the responsibility and privilege of representing South Africa, its chess community and its people on the international stage.

For Gauteng Chess, the occasion was also a celebration of the strength and continued development of chess within the province. Having players represented at the Chess Olympiad reflects the exceptional talent, commitment and competitive standard that continues to emerge from South Africa.

We congratulate IM Banele Mhango, IM Caleb Levitan, James Dinham, WFM Chloe Badenhorst, Zizakele Masango & WCM Hayley Nel and on this remarkable achievement.

Gauteng Province Chess wishes the entire South African team every success at the 46th FIDE World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand. May they compete with courage, determination and pride as they carry the South African flag onto one of the biggest stages in world chess.

Go well, Team South Africa.
The entire Gauteng Chess community is behind you.