The first time the Tuks player Mfundo Masiya dared to try and touch one of the pieces on a chessboard, he got scolded it however did not discourage him instead it motivated him. 

At the end of last year, he finished fourth at the African under-23 championships. Because he is a perfectionist and passionate about chess, he does not want to hear it is a good result. According to the Tuks player he messed up. He should have done better.

In two weeks he will represent Tuks at the USSA Tournament in Grahamstown. If he has his way, the team will win the title for a third consecutive time. 

Masiya laughs when he thinks back to his introduction to chess.

"As I was coming home from school, I saw that my uncle, Sipho, and a friend were playing a game. A crowd had gathered around them to watch. Everybody seemed to be very serious. I was fascinated, especially on seeing those funny looking pieces being moved around on a chequered board. 

"Out of curiosity, I went closer and tried to touch one of the pieces. It was a big mistake. My uncle got upset and told me to get lost. I, however, did not forget about the game. A few weeks later at school, I saw the same game being played. Naturally, I wanted to play. Since then, I had not stopped." 

According to Masiya, it is the multi-faceted aspects of chess that got him hooked. 

"To be competitive, you have to have the same mindset as a mathematician. Playing chess is also a definite way to improve one's memory. 

"What I like most is that I get to be creative. Sometimes I get to do things that no one else has done. Playing chess is a way in which I can express myself."

Asked what his best qualities as a player are the Tuks player described himself as a tactical player. 

"Tactical players tend to get 'crazy' when we play. There are high scores and not much defending. Sometimes it might seem as if there is chaos on the board. 

"That is how I like to play. I guess I am kind of a maverick. I hope to surprise my opponent all the time, even scare them. I am also scared at that moment, but I think I can negotiate the situation better." 

It is easy to think Masiya has a blase approach to the game, but it is not so. He points out that he realises every decision he makes has consequences.

"Chess is not like rugby, where you can blame the referee afterwards. If I lose, I can only blame myself.

"To be competitive, you got to be able to take control of your emotions and nerves at all times. Physically it certainly takes its toll. During one tournament I played a five hour game in the morning and then another four hours in the evening. If you are not chess fit, it is guaranteed that you will lose focus."