The Kasparov Chess Foundation Africa has been working hard over the last few months to source cheap chess boards, sets and clocks for the African continent. They believe that this is critical to the development of the game across the continent as the costs of equipment remain a challenge in many areas. They are now delighted to be able to advise that our first consignment of stock has been cleared from customs and they are finally in a position to make this equipment available to the general chess population.

They tested the clocks thoroughly during the recently held Lesotho Open in Maseru and they stood up extremely well, even when stressed under FIDE tournament conditions. Samples were also recently sent to the SAJCC in Kimberly and sample stock is now also available for inspection in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Free State and Pretoria.

Below are pictures of the two digital chess clock models (LEAP Clocks) which they are now able to offer at prices which represent less than half of the historical retail values of digital clocks in South Africa. These clocks have been sourced directly from the international suppliers using KCF global contacts and they are offering them at close what is essentially cost price to ensure that they are as affordable as possible.

The basic (small) model is perfect for schools and young children and does all basic time controls. It does not handle increments or secondary time controls however. They can offer this clock at an all in price of ZAR 250 per unit!

The full function digital model (Similar to the DGT XL) is suitable for all FIDE tournaments and has the full range of time control functions (including increment functions, secondary time controls, and delay modes etc). They can offer this model for ZAR 470 per unit.

In addition They can now offer our KCF Branded “MiniChess” plastic chess sets together with a vinyl chessboard and plastic container for the pieces for ZAR 50 per full set (pieces, board and box all included).

All these prices represent at least a 50% reduction to the commercial retail prices of similar equipment currently available in the country. They are aiming to make quality chess equipment available to the entire country at a cost that makes the game more affordable. They are hence attempting to eliminate all middlemen to ensure that players can source this basic equipment at an affordable price. This will no doubt benefit the game throughout the country.

They will be accepting orders moving forward on the following conditions:

1. Orders can be placed by any CHESSA national structures, provincial bodies, unions, clubs or schools.
2. All equipment will be sold on the strict understanding that it is not to be on-sold or provided to end users at any further mark-up.
3. All equipment will be branded with the KCF Africa logo.
4. Payments for orders is required in advance prior to any orders being placed or fulfilled on customers behalf.
5. The prices listed above represent the cost for orders to be collected from our storage facilities which are based in Pretoria. Shipping can be arranged to any location around the country but the relevant courier / shipping / transportation costs will be for the account of the purchaser.
6. For large orders or where items are not immediately in stock, delivery times is estimated at between 2-4 weeks for clocks and between 6-8 weeks for boards and sets.

They currently have just over 800 boards and sets in stock and approximately 150 clocks available for immediate distribution. They will consolidate and place new orders as soon as the size of the demand is established.

Should you wish to place orders, please contact your provincial chess structures. Orders should please clearly state the volume of each item required as well as the names of the relevant institutions on behalf of which the orders are being placed.  They will then provide a formal invoice and place orders as soon as payment is received. They hope that this initiative goes a long way to making the game more affordable moving forward.