From Nyanga to the world champs: 14-year-old chess prodigy Imkhitha Joya needs your help

She has the talent, and now she just needs the support to show the world what she can do.

Fourteen-year-old Imkhitha Joya from Old Crossroads in Nyanga, is one of South Africa’s brightest young chess stars.

She was crowned South African U14 Girls Champion after an unbeaten run at the Junior Closed Chess Championships earlier this year, a performance that earned her national recognition and a spot on Team South Africa.

Despite being ranked 6th among all female chess players in the country, Joya missed out on three major continental tournaments due to financial constraints.

But now, she has another chance.

Joya has been invited to represent South Africa at the World Youth Chess Championships in Albania and the African Youth Chess Championships in Algeria later this year.

To get there, she needs R94,100 to cover travel, accommodation, and tournament fees.

Joya and her coach are calling on supporters to help her chase her dream of becoming an international master.

You can help by donating, big or small, on her BackaBuddy account.