Local Talent Recognised Internationally

The KZN Chess Academy is proud to announce that Michael Schwartz and Kajol Naidoo have been selected for the FIDE Al Ain AMCG Chess Academy Program.

The program runs from 31 January to 26 April 2026 and forms part of a global FIDE-backed development initiative aimed at nurturing elite young chess talent. Players selected for the program receive 52 hours of free, high-level coaching and train under some of the best coaches in the world, including renowned Grandmasters such as GM RB Ramesh, GM Efstratios Grivas, GM Rustam Kasimdzhanov along other leading international trainers.

This selection reflects years of hard work and dedication and marks a proud moment for South Africa chess, highlighting the growing strength of local talent on the global stage.

We congratulate Micheal and Kajol on this outstanding achievement and wish them every success as they take this exciting step forward in their chess journeys.