From Old Crossroads to the World Stage: 14-year-old Imkhitha Joya's chess journey

AT JUST 14-years old, Imkhitha Joya from Old Crossroads, Nyanga, is quietly redefining what's possible for young South African girls with big dreams and the discipline to match.

- TRACY-LYNN RUITERS

A rising star on the national chess circuit, Imkhitha has earned top honours at home and the attention of international federations — but the next step in her journey hinges on financial support.

Earlier this year, she was crowned South African U14 Girls Chess Champion after an undefeated run at the Junior Closed Chess Championships. She also dominated the Western Cape High Schools U15 Girls section, winning all six of her games. Her current CHESSA rating of 1811 places her as the highest-ranked U14 girl in the country and sixth overall among South Africa's female players.

But even brilliance can come up against barriers.

In 2025 alone, Imkhitha qualified for three prestigious tournaments — the African Individual Chess Championships, the African Schools Championships, and the FIDE Youth Olympiad. But in each case, she was forced to sit out — not because she didn't make the cut, but because there wasn't enough funding to get her there.

"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," said her coach and mentor, Thando Hlakula.