Potch lets help Dewald Coetsee represent South Africa on the world stage
- Karen Scheepers
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
The city of Potchefstroom has long been a cradle for sporting and academic excellence, but today, the spotlight shines on the checkered board. Dewald Coetsee, a local chess prodigy and Grade 12 student, has officially been crowned the 2026 U/18 Junior Chess Champion of South Africa. This prestigious title has earned him an invitation to represent the nation at the FIDE World Youth Chess Championship 2026 in Montesilvano, Italy, this June.
A Journey Defined by Strategy and Passion
Dewald’s journey began in Grade R after a simple demonstration by Chris Greyling sparked a lifelong obsession. Though told by his parents to wait until Grade 1, his enthusiasm never wavered. Under the mentorship of local coach Johan Steenkamp, Dewald’s talent flourished. By Grade 4, he had already dominated the Kenneth Kaunda region, necessitating a move to the highly competitive Tshwane region in Pretoria to find opponents who could match his growing skill.
His rise through the ranks has been consistent and impressive:
2021: Secured 3rd place in the Online SA Junior Closed Chess Championships.
2023: Earned his Protea Colors and competed in the World Youth Rapid and Blitz tournament in Greece.
2024: Represented South Africa in the U/16 World Olympiads in the Netherlands.
2026: Achieved the ultimate national honor by taking 1st place in the U/18 Open division at the SAJCCC in Rustenburg.
The Challenge Beyond the Board
While Dewald has mastered the complexities of the Sicilian Defense and endgame theory, he now faces a challenge that cannot be solved with a clever gambit: funding. Despite being an official representative of South Africa, the lack of available state funding for Chess SA means that the financial burden of international travel, accommodation, and tournament fees falls entirely on the player and his family.
As Dewald prepares to conclude his junior chess career on this incredible high note, his family is reaching out to the Potchefstroom community and local businesses. This trip to Italy from June 14–27 is a rare opportunity for a local talent to pit his wits against the best in the world, carrying the hopes of a nation with him.
How the Community Can Support
The goal is to ensure that financial constraints do not stand in the way of a national champion’s dreams. Every contribution, whether from a private individual or a corporate sponsor, goes directly toward making this international representation possible.
The Go-to guy Facebook Interview Link: https://www.facebook.com/reel/815289818319198
Supporters can contribute via the official Back a Buddy campaign: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/dewald-coetsee-world-youth-chess-championships
For more information on sponsorship or direct support, please contact Eddie Coetsee at 072 567 8932 or via email at edco@vodamail.co.za.
Supporting Dewald is not just an investment in a chess player; it is an investment in the spirit of Potchefstroom excellence. Let’s ensure our champion makes it to Italy to make South Africa proud once again.
🏆🇿🇦♟️🇮🇹
Comments