SHE'S got the brains, the heart, and the moves, but now she needs the cash.
Young chess champion Imkhitha Joya, from Old Crossroads in Nyanga, Cape Town, has made impressive strides locally.
However, without support, she might never showcase her brilliance on the global stage.
The 14-year-old rising star is flying the flag high for Mzansi, although she needs help to make her dream come true.
Earlier this year, Imkhitha was crowned SA U14 Girls Chess Champion after going undefeated at the Junior Closed Chess Championships.
She also dominated the Western Cape High Schools U15 Girls section with a perfect score.
Imkhitha's chess rating is now 1 811, making her the top U14 girl in the country and sixth overall among South African women players.
But behind her victories is a painful truth.
She's missed three international tournaments this year due to a lack of funding.
"She worked so hard to qualify. But without the money, we couldn't get her there. Watching her sit out after all that effort was heartbreaking," said her coach, Thando Hlakula.
Imkhitha was picked to represent Mzansi at the African Individual Championships, the African Schools Championships, and the FIDE Youth Olympiad, but couldn't attend a single one.
She has a second chance now.
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She's been selected to represent Mzansi at the World Youth Chess Championships in Albania this October, and again at the African Youth Chess Championships in Algeria this December.
These tournaments are crucial for her to achieve her next major goal: becoming a Woman International Master.
"To get to Albania, we need R94 100. That covers everything, flights, visas, accommodation, meals, and entry fees for both her and me," said Thando.
So far, they've raised just over R19 000 from eight donors.
"It's been beautiful to see people supporting her. Each donation tells her she matters, that her work is seen," said Thando.
Imkhitha's chess journey began in 2020 at Isigcawu Primary School through a school chess programme.
However, her journey was far from easy.
"She lost every single match in her first tournament.
"But she didn't give up. She simply asked, 'When's the next one?'" said Thando.
Since then, she's trained harder than ever, sometimes putting in eight hours a day, and has become known for her sharp thinking and quiet confidence.
"She has something special. She doesn't just want to win, she wants to grow, and she never stops learning."
Her big breakthrough came earlier this year when she beat the defending champion at the SA Junior Closed and walked away undefeated.
"Last year, she came second, and it crushed her. She came back stronger and proved to everyone, and herself, that she belongs on top.
"She's showing that brilliance can come from places like Crossroads. She's changing how people see chess and how they see girls from the township," said Thando.
Due to her age, Imkhitha can't travel alone, so Thando will travel with her to support and coach her along the way.
"She needs someone she trusts, especially at this level, not just about chess. It's about keeping her grounded and confident on that global stage.
"She's done the work. She's earned the chance. All we need now is the support to help her take that next step," said Thando.
