South African Junior Chess Team Impresses at African Championship

Photo Credit: Chess South Africa

Boshoma takes bronze in Burundi and earns a WIM norm as four South African juniors compete at the continental championship.

Burundi (01 September 2026) – South African junior chess has made a strong statement in Burundi, with Chisomo Boshoma leading the way after claiming bronze at the African Junior Chess Championship and securing a WIM norm in the process.

The result caps an impressive tournament for the South African contingent, with Megan Dove, Michael Berndt and Zhengfei Li also putting together strong performances across the girls’ and open sections.

For Chisomo, though, there was an extra reason to celebrate. Her run to the podium not only earned her a medal but also moved her closer to the prestigious Women’s International Master title, with the performance enough to secure a WIM norm.

The achievement adds to what has already been a standout year for the young chess star. Earlier this year, she finished fifth at the African Individual Chess Championships in Botswana after scoring six points from nine games against some of the continent’s leading female players.

She is also proving that her ambitions extend well beyond the chessboard. Chisomo is studying Actuarial Science at the University of Cape Town and was crowned the 2025 USSA Chess Champion, balancing a demanding academic path with her continued rise in competitive chess.

Chisomo wasn’t the only South African making waves in Burundi.

Megan Dove finished ninth in the girls’ section, while Michael Berndt narrowly missed out on a podium place in the open section after finishing fourth. Zhengfei Li also delivered a solid showing, ending the tournament in 10th place.

For Chisomo, the bronze medal is another significant marker in a rapidly developing career. As the reigning South African Under-20 Girls Junior Closed Champion, she is continuing to build a reputation both locally and on the continental stage.

And with a WIM norm now added to her growing list of achievements, there is clearly more to come.