Crowdfunding win puts South Africa’s 9-year-old chess prodigy on Commonwealth stage

The campaign, started earlier this month by her mother, Mpho Malemane, had a clear goal to raise R102,240 (around $6,142) before the registration deadline. It got there in time and even went beyond.

"We are absolutely grateful to our fellow South Africans who helped us raise the funds for Atlehang to go to Sri Lanka just before the closing date," Mpho told the press.

The money will cover everything needed for the trip: flights, visas, accommodation, meals, tournament entry fees, FIDE costs, Chess South Africa administration charges, official uniforms, and other travel expenses. For Mpho, the support has been overwhelming. She says it has turned her daughter’s dream into reality.

With the funds secured, the focus has shifted. Atlehang is now deep in preparation. According to her mother, she is training more intensely with her coach, practising at home, and spending time studying chess books ahead of the competition. She will travel with her mother, while Chess South Africa is helping with visa arrangements.

Atlehang’s story started early. She was introduced to chess at the age of three by her father. What began as a simple interest quickly grew into something more, especially after she was exposed to the game at school.

Now in Grade 4, she already holds a Junior Master title and has earned South African national colours. She is also balancing schoolwork with several extracurricular activities. Since joining the national circuit in 2024, she has consistently ranked in the top five.

Another opportunity is already on the horizon. Atlehang has qualified for the 2026 FIDE World Cadets Chess Championship in Batumi, Georgia, scheduled for June. But for that, the journey is not over—she still needs to raise R105,061 (about $6,312) before the end of April to make it there.