Tuesday, 10 December 2024

Official Announcement: Postponement of the Esport and Phygital Program Launch in Haiti


It is with great sadness and deep emotion that we announce the postponement of the official launch of the Esport and Phygital Program in Haiti, originally scheduled for November 30, 2024. This decision comes following the tragic passing of Sfreud Wilson, the son of the President of the Haitian Esport Federation (FHE), Freed Wilson.

Sfreud Wilson was not only an athlete but also a passionate advocate for esports, particularly eFootball. His dedication, passion, and energy have left an indelible mark on his family and the entire esports community, especially in Haiti, where he inspired countless young people to pursue their dreams in the digital and sporting world.
The launch of this program, which aimed to impact 20,000 young people across all 10 departments of Haiti, was a significant milestone in the development of esports and digital education in the country. However, in light of this tragic loss affecting the Wilson family and the Haitian esports community, it is necessary to postpone this important event. We are committed to setting a new date as soon as possible and will keep you informed of any updates.
We ask the international esports community, as well as all our partners, to join us in this time of mourning. Sfreud will remain in our hearts and memories as a key figure in the development of esports in Haiti and beyond.
Our thoughts are with the Wilson family during this difficult time. We pay tribute to the memory of Sfreud, a young man whose passion and spirit will live on in our community forever.
President Freed Wilson

RESULTS: MSSA's 2024 Online SA National Championships

Neisha (Rose) Khan, captain of BellaTrixes, lead her team to victory.

Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) held its annual South African National Online Championships on 7 December 2024.

Fired on by the successes of the 2024 Protea Esports Team, many more athletes entered in order to begin their chance of qualifying for the 2025 National Team Trials.

Before the start of play, all athletes were reminded that the top three, or top twenty percent, whichever is greater, automatically qualify for National Team Trials (NTT).

However, it was also stated a couple of times that in order for players to enter the much coveted NTT, that all entrants have  to have a valid South African passport. No passport - no entry!

Needless to say, teams consisting of athletes that represented South Africa in the online qualifiers, IESF's African Esports Championships (AEC24) and in IESF's World Esports Championships (WEC24) all demonstrated their newly honed skills to dominate the titles in which they played.

With athletes competing in the online championships from seven of the nine provinces, the championship was hard fought, and no quarter was given.

Of special interest was the female Mobile Legends Bang Bang Team, BellaTrixes (of Maverick Esports) totally dominated their division. Under the skillful leadership of Neisha Khan the team earned itself National Colours as well as a berth in the 2025 National Team Trials.

Lamisah Manuel
Much is expected of BellaTrixes in 2025 as their standard is head and shoulders above the other female teams that competed in MSSA's 2024 championships. However, it must be remembered that between now and the NTT in March, there are another three championships in which teams may qualify. 

Lamisah Manuel (Team PlayBell) also made history by becoming the first female to earn South African National Colours in the StreetFighter Eports title.

The winners of MSSA's 2024 Online SA National Championships are:

TitleName of player/teamClubProvincial Colours awarded
Clash Royale - PremierJikun YuSt Davids Marist InandaSenior and Junior National Colours
Clash Royale - High SchoolMarcu van WykHoƫrskool Klerksdorp
CounterStrike GO - Female
Boo-Bees
Jessica Eleez GreeffZAG AcademySenior National Colours
Avonique Van RooyenZAG AcademySenior National Colours
Megan van der WesthuizenZAG AcademySenior National Colours
Connie MoulderZAG AcademySenior National Colours
Kiera McCallumZAG AcademySenior National Colours
CounterStrike GO - Premier
ZAG | Kitsune
Shannon CorranZAG AcademySenior National Colours
Robert ButlerZAG AcademySenior National Colours
Aidan VosterZAG AcademySenior National Colours
Charl Van der BergZAG AcademySenior National Colours
Adam SchultzZAG AcademySenior National Colours
DotA - Premier
ZAG DOTA 1
Suhail KhanZAG AcademySenior National Colours
Travis John WatersZAG AcademySenior National Colours
Mark Kilian LehleZAG AcademySenior National Colours
Mohammad DhoomaZAG AcademySenior National Colours
Nicholas DammertZAG AcademySenior National Colours
eFootball - PremierAslam ParkerPES SocietySenior and Junior National Colours
EA FC - PremierDaiyaan HendricksPES SocietySenior National Colours
Mobile Legends - Female
BellaTrixes
Ranya SujeeMavericksSenior National Colours
Neisha Ann KhanMavericksSenior National Colours
Yashvitha KanaparthyMavericksSenior National Colours
Shanel ArunachellamMavericksSenior National Colours
Rashmika NanakanMavericksSenior National Colours
Chante DanielsMavericksSenior National Colours
Rowell PillayMavericksSenior National Colours
Mobile Legends - Premier
Equilibrium
Mogamat Junaid IsmailKing of the HillSenior National Colours
Shaden Dre ShabalalaKing of the HillSenior National Colours
Damian BransbyKing of the HillSenior National Colours
Umer Ali KhanKing of the HillSenior National Colours
Toseef Ali KhanKing of the HillSenior National Colours
Clive KingKing of the HillSenior National Colours
PUBGM - Premier
Temper
Kyle GorridonZAG AcademySenior National Colours
Zain ZalieZAG AcademySenior National Colours
RTaakir AllieZAG AcademySenior National Colours
Bevam De KockZAG AcademySenior National Colours
Rocket League - Premier - 1 v 1Zak SukanCrawford College LonehillSenior and Junior National Colours
StreetFighter 6Marnus van der MerweHoƫrskool KlerksdorpSenior and Junior National Colours
Tekken 8 - FemaleLamisah ManuelTeam PlayBellSenior National Colours
Tekken 8
Jaiden Joshua NaidooTeam PlayBell
Luay KhanTeam PlayBellJunior National Colours
Sportsmanship AwardJessica Eleez GreeffZAG Academy

Additional reading:

Sunday, 8 December 2024

Avonique takes Best Newcomer Award.

Avonique van Rooyen playfully shows off the sponsor of the Protea Team - NWU.

In 1987 Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) started its Best Newcomer Award. 

Since 1987, MSSA has made the award every year. Many of the recipients have grown with MSSA over the years to become not only top of the line mind sports athletes but have become well rounded people who are successful in every aspect of their lives. One only has to think of previous winners like Andre Tonkin, Simphiwe Maphumulo, Robert Botha and Lyrene Kűhn and others to see the quality of athlete that has won this award.

Avonique van Rooyen has joined the list of Best Newcomers who have distinguished themselves in their first year of registration, and, no-one is surprised!

At only 16 years of age, Avonique impressed everybody at all levels being; provincial, national, and international championships.

It was at IESF's African Championships (AEC24) and IESF's World Championships (WEC24) that all who witnessed Avonique play commented on Avonique's enthusiasm, strength of character, and skill of play.

It was therefore, without hesitation, that MSSA's Annual General Meeting unanimously awarded Avonique the Best Newcomer of the Year Award.

Additional reading: