What/who is God?

The Creator, Jesus Christ’s father and my Father.

What happens when you die?

I will go straight to heaven. And because there is no coming back here, I am a little frightened of death. And because of that, I try to make the best of this life.

What is your greatest wish?

I would like to close the gap between with what happens in chess in South Africa, and with what happens in Europe. We are so far behind. Chess needs to be recognized for its amazing ability to improve mathematics in children. All children should be given the opportunity to play chess.

Define what you do?

I coach chess and physical training to underprivileged children in the township.

Describe yourself in four words?

Easygoing, hardworking, dedicated and honest.

How do the children you teach describe you?

Laughing, respectful, and easygoing.

What does money mean to you?

Everything.

If you have one question for God, what would it be?

Please keep me safe.

Describe your life in one word?

A challenge.

If you could rid the world of one thing, what would it be?

I would want to return to the simple natural way of living. There is too much artificial stuff in the world. We don’t connect like we used to. Chess offers that intimacy and connection.

What don’t you like about yourself?

I am sometimes not disciplined enough.

What has been your greatest achievement to date?

The Comrades Marathon, because by completing that, I realised that all my other goals are reachable. That, and the fact that our chess league now have 150 participating children. That’s 150 children who now have something to do in the afternoons in the township.

What is the best advice you have been given?

My good friend told me that you should always stick to what you believe in, no matter what happens.

What do you think about the human race?

Unlike other species, we have the ability to reason and to make informed decisions and we are lucky we have that. We should use that wisely.

What do you think about South Africa today?

Progressing positively.

Describe your childhood?

I always tried my best even when I felt inferior to many. My mother was a domestic worker and my father was a driver so life was difficult.

What is love?

I don’t know what love is yet? How do you describe love, Sandy?