Heinco du Plessis – Head Coach

Chess has been Heinco’s first true love and passion since a very young age. He was taught how to play chess at the age of 4 and started playing competitive chess at the age of 7. He started coaching schools and private students at the age of 17. Heinco regards chess to be a raw, completely equal nature of battle; no information is being hidden by either player, from either player.

Heinco is an accredited Fide Instructor and the owner and founder of Dynamic Chess Solutions. His team coaches at several schools, coaches individuals online and in person, organises several tournaments through his chess club every year and has a long list of other achievements listed on his company’s website..
Heinco is not currently available for classes as he is fully booked.

Contact Details:

Not Provided

Availability for Coaching: Fully Booked

IM Johannes Mabusela – Head Analysis Coach

My name is Johannes Mabusela. I am an International Master and FIDE Trainer. I have over 10yrs experience in working with players of all levers, from beginner to national champions even African champions. I take my job with full professionalism and enthusiasm. My philosophy is that anyone can improve quickly, given the right lessons. For more information on how I work you can contact me.

Contact Details:

Call or WhatsApp – 084 917 4263

Availability for Coaching: Available

Johannes Moche

I have been a chess coach for the past 6 years at various schools and I have also coached several private students overall the years.
I specialise in kids with a 0-1600 rating.
My coaching achievements so far.
Coaching for Gauteng North at SAJCC since 2017 until now:
u8 championship section both girls and boys 2017. u10 championship section girls and boys 2018 and u12 girls championship section 2019 and boys silver 2019.
I am energetic and passionate about the game.

I am also available on for online lessons on zoom.

Contact Details:

WhatsApp on 084 077 6973 and call and SMS on 064 796 1233

Availability for Coaching: Available

Jaco Nelson

I coach at several primary schools in Pretoria. I was the assistant u8 Coach for the GN 2019 SAJCC Team.
Several of my students have qualified for SAJCC and for SAJCCC over the past few years.
I have my SA Colours in Chess and still actively play in tournaments.
I was the Head Coach for the 2008 African Youth Team, I have been Head Coach of Gauteng North in previous years, One of my students, Joshua Dykerma, qualified for World Youth Championships when he was younger and scored 7 out of 11 points.

Contact Details:

074 658 2820

Availability for Coaching: Available

Sandra Van De Venter

As a player representing South Africa, I have coached numerous provincial and school teams over the past 24 years. All of my private students have achieved Provincial Colours, with some even earning their South African Colours. I take great joy in seeing happy children who have been awarded medals!

Contact Details:

082 417 0817

Number of years coaching chess: 24 years

Preferred Age Group: U/10

Area: Centurion

Preferred Method of Coaching: In Person

Availability for Coaching: Available

Hans Steyn

Chess is a wonderful journey. A good coach will help you identify your unique chess talent, motivate you to develop your sporting qualities (willpower & focus) and how to prepare for tournaments. It’s important to work on the right skill sets: effective openings, positional play, tactics and endgame technique.

I’ve been involved in chess coaching for more than two decades. My students excel and are passionate about chess.

Senior National Chess Colours 2022, Pta Chess Club Champion (2002, 2008, 2022), FIDE National Instructor (2011), BA(Hons)

Contact Details:

084 567 7410

Number of years coaching chess: 25+

Preferred Age Group: 7-20

Preferred Rating Group: 1000-2000

Area: Centurion, Pretoria East

Preferred Method of Coaching: In Person

Availability for Coaching: Available

Wian Schutte

When I was younger I always wanted to teach everyone how to play chess, and even taught the basics(very excitedly) to the whole grade 4 class in my school oral.

Ever since, I’ve always loved teaching chess to anyone that showed interest. Even though I can only call myself a coach for 2 years, the passion and excitement from coaching never fails to amaze me.

About me:

I participated in the SAJCC from 2014-2018, and the SAJCCC in 2018-2019.

I achieved FIDE Master title in 2017, winning the u/15 African Schools Chess Championships, and then 13th in the FIDE World Schools Championships 2018.

My(very important) motto – “You never lose, only win and learn.”

Contact Details:

083 778 3784

Number of years coaching chess: 3

Preferred Age Group: < 25

Preferred Rating Group: < 1000

Area: Centurion, Pretoria East

Preferred Method of Coaching: In Person, Online

Availability for Coaching: Available

Ernest Lekalakala

Former national player, who was dominant during Junior years.

Contact Details:

0760949967

Email: lekalakalaernest2@gmail.com

Number of years coaching chess: 4

Preferred Age Group: Any

Preferred Rating Group: < 1500

Area: Around Pretoria

Preferred Method of Coaching: In Person, Online

Availability for Coaching: Available

Justin Wilken

My chess journey began in 1977 when I first encountered a black knight, captivating me with the game’s complexity. I joined the PE Chess Club in 1978 and played in every South African Junior Chess Championship (SAJCC) until 1989. In 1990, I took on the role of team manager and began my coaching career. While balancing work, I coached in PE, Bloemfontein, and eventually settled in Pretoria in 2007. I’ve served as Head Coach and Union President in each of these regions. As a player, I’ve participated in 25 SA Opens and over 25 Adult Interprovincials, winning numerous tournaments and even making the SA Senior Team this year.

As a coach, I’ve led the South African Junior Team on more than 15 occasions and have guided many players to achieve their SA colors. I’ve also helped many schools become champions and mentored several well-known coaches. With a lifetime of coaching and playing experience, I’m passionate about the game and enjoy sharing stories. I’m excited to help you improve your chess skills and reach your full potential.

Contact Details:

0659933923

Number of years coaching chess: 34

Preferred Age Group: 7 – 20

Preferred Rating Group: 1000 – 2000

Area: Pretoria

Preferred Method of Coaching: In Person, Online

Availability for Coaching: Available