Showing posts with label Backgammon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Backgammon. Show all posts

Friday, 27 February 2026

MSSA REMINDS OF ITS CLOSING DATE FOR 2025/2026 CLUB TRANSFER WINDOW


Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) has confirmed that the official club transfer window for the 2025/2026 competitive season will close on 28 February 2026.

The transfer period, which opened on 1 November 2025, provides registered players with the opportunity to formally change their club affiliation ahead of the new competitive cycle. All transfer applications must be submitted and finalised before the closing date to ensure eligibility for provincial, national, and MSSA-sanctioned events during the 2025/2026 season.

In accordance with MSSA regulations:

  • Players may be registered with only one affiliated club at a time unless also registered with a school club.

  • A player remains the first-claim member of their current club until an official transfer is processed and recorded.

  • Participation in sanctioned events requires valid and current club registration.

The transfer deadline is critical to maintaining administrative accuracy, competitive fairness, and proper team selection processes across all MSSA disciplines, including board gaming, wargaming, esports, and other recognised mind sports.

Clubs are strongly encouraged to submit all required documentation well in advance of the closing date to avoid delays that could affect player eligibility. After 28 February 2025, transfers will not be permitted unless otherwise provided for under exceptional circumstances as outlined in MSSA regulations.

MSSA remains committed to structured governance and transparent administration to support the continued growth and professionalisation of mind sports in South Africa.

For further information, clubs and members are advised to consult official MSSA communication channels or contact the MSSA General Secretary.

About Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA)
Mind Sports South Africa is the national controlling body for mind sports in South Africa, responsible for the regulation, development, and promotion of competitive mind sports nationwide.

Additional reading:

Athlete's rights:

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Thursday, 12 February 2026

City of Cape Town Regional Junior Backgammon event - Sunday, 22 February 2026

Backgammon is a game that that can be played by all ages.

The Cape Town Open 2026 will include the City of Cape Town Junior (U-18) backgammon tournament on Sunday, 22 February 2026.

The event gives young players the chance to compete in an event that is recognised as an official MSSA Regional Championship alongside one of South Africa’s premier tournaments.

Running from 14:30 –17:30 at the Fire & Ice! Hotel in Cape Town CBD, the junior section will use a Swiss format with short 3-point matches, ensuring every participant gets multiple games in a structured, friendly environment.

The event is designed to be welcoming for both new and experienced players, encouraging strategic thinking, confidence, and sportsmanship while letting juniors experience the excitement of tournament play.

For more information, parents can contact Nick (0711217022) or register at bit.ly/CTOpen2026Juniors

Additional reading:

Athlete's rights:
Employment opportunities

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Wednesday, 11 February 2026

Relationship between Mind Sports South Africa and independent esports operators

MSS is now 40 years old, and is, the oldest national federation of its type in the world.

Here’s how Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) relates to independent esports operators in South Africa — like private leagues, clubs, and competitive teams — based on the current landscape:

1. MSSA is the official national federation

MSSA is recognised under the Sport and Recreation Act as the national controlling body for mind sports, including competitive esports titles in South Africa. That means MSSA is officially the only authority that can govern, structure and administer esports as a sport at the national level, and is affiliated with bodies like SASCOC and the International eSports Federation.

Because of this status:

  • MSSA can sanction official provincial and national championships, giving competitors the chance to earn provincial or national Protea colours.

  • They decide which esports titles get included in official competition rosters.

2. Independent operators can affiliate with MSSA

Smaller esports groups and operators don’t automatically fall under MSSA — but many choose to affiliate with it. That means they formally link up so their teams can participate in MSSA-sanctioned events and players can be officially recognised.

Examples:

  • PES Society, an independent Pro Evolution Soccer community, signed up to MSSA to gain official status and competitive pathways.

  • Independent teams like Team efx have also affiliated to compete in sanctioned events and potentially represent South Africa internationally.

3. MSSA governs official competition, independent operators run other events

Independent esports operators — including leagues run by private promoters, tournament organisers, or community groups — often run their own competitions outside MSSA’s structure. These can include commercial leagues, grassroots events, and entry-fee tournaments run without MSSA sanctioning.

The relationship here is more parallel than hierarchical:

  • MSSA is the official federation for sporting recognition and official status.

  • Independent operators provide alternative spaces for competition, community building, and commercial growth.

4. Sometimes tension or dual systems emerge

Historically, there have been some debates in the community:

  • Some professional gamers and independent leagues have preferred private competitive circuits because they attract broader participation and better rewards than MSSA’s official pathways.

  • This has led to a kind of dual ecosystem: one shaped by MSSA’s official sport status, the other by independent competition and commercial esports growth.

5. MSSA’s role in regulatory clarity

In South Africa, esports governance isn’t regulated under gambling law when events are accredited as official esport events. MSSA’s sanctioning can help private events avoid being classified under other legislation.

In a nutshell

  • MSSA = official national governing body for competitive esports as a recognised sport in South Africa.

  • Independent esports operators = privately run leagues and organisations that may choose to affiliate with MSSA to gain official status or operate their own events alongside MSSA’s.

  • Their relationship is collaborative but not exclusive: affiliation is voluntary, and many independent operators also thrive outside MSSA’s official framework. 

Additional reading:

Athlete's rights:
Employment opportunities

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Saturday, 7 February 2026

Newly-affiliated Backgammon clubs are ready to get things rolling…

Doron Claxton, from Cape Town, deep in thought in his semi-final match at the Backgammon World Championship.

Cape Town Backgammon is proud to formally announce its affiliation with Mind­ Sports South Africa (MSSA) — a meaningful milestone for our club and for backgammon in the Western Cape.

This affiliation recognises not only where Cape Town Backgammon is today, but also the steady, community-driven journey that has brought us here.

A decade of growth, community, and competition

Cape Town Backgammon was founded in June 2013 by two brothers with a simple idea: to create a regular, welcoming space to play backgammon in Cape Town. What began as informal local meet-ups has grown year on year into a structured and increasingly visible backgammon community.

Over the past decade, the club has:

  • Hosted live tournaments in Cape Town
  • Run online round-robin leagues, connecting players across regions
  • Introduced annual awards celebrating performance, improvement, and contribution to the community
  • Actively supported local players competing at international events

Perhaps most notably, Cape Town Backgammon proudly supported Doron Claxton, who reached the final of the Backgammon World Championships in Monte Carlo in 2025 — a landmark achievement for South African backgammon.

Mind sportS SA affiliation and the Cape Town Open 2026

Affiliation with MSSA represents an important step forward: aligning Cape Town Backgammon with recognised national structures, governance, and player pathways.

Our first major milestone under this affiliation will be the Cape Town Open, taking place from 20–22 February 2026, officially endorsed by MSSA as a Regional Championship.

In addition to the Open division, regional colours will be awarded to the best-performing players in the following categories:

  • Open
  • Female
  • Youth (U-25)
  • Junior (U-18)

This event is designed to showcase competitive excellence while also highlighting the inclusivity and developmental focus of backgammon as a recognised mindsport.

Growing the game — especially in schools

A central focus for Cape Town Backgammon is growing the game, particularly among younger players. We are actively committed to introducing backgammon into schools in Cape Town and surrounding areas, where it serves as a powerful tool for developing:

  • Strategic thinking
  • Probability awareness
  • Decision-making under uncertainty
  • Sportsmanship and resilience

Backgammon’s blend of skill, mathematics, and psychology makes it uniquely well suited to the educational space, and we see enormous potential for growth at grassroots level.

Social play in the city

Alongside structured competition, Cape Town Backgammon continues to host regular social evenings in the Cape Town CBD. These sessions are intentionally relaxed and inclusive — a perfect opportunity to:

  • Meet new people
  • Learn the game or improve your skills
  • Play casual or competitive matches in a friendly environment

Whether you’re a seasoned tournament player or completely new to backgammon, social nights remain the heartbeat of the club.

A connected, welcoming community

Our community extends well beyond Cape Town. Through active WhatsApp groups, Cape Town Backgammon players are closely connected with South African backgammon players across the country, as well as an international network of enthusiasts and competitors.

New members are always welcome — whether you’re curious about learning the game, looking for regular competition, or aiming to compete at national and international level.

Affiliation with MSSA marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Cape Town Backgammon. We look forward to building stronger pathways for players, hosting high-quality events, and continuing to grow a vibrant backgammon community in Cape Town and beyond.

Additional reading:
Athlete's rights:
Employment opportunities

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Saturday, 24 January 2026

Who qualifies for MSSA National Team Trials?

Mind Sports South Africa has reached its 40th anniversary and is the oldest national federation for

backgammon, esports, Morabaraba, and wargames in the world.

Eligibility for Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) National Team trials is generally limited to players who meet all of the following criteria, in accordance with MSSA regulations and selection policies:

  1. South African Citizenship or Eligibility

    • The player must be a South African citizen or otherwise eligible to represent South Africa under MSSA and international federation rules.

  2. Current MSSA Membership

    • The player must be a fully paid-up and registered MSSA member in good standing at the time of trials.

  3. Affiliation Through a Recognised Club or Body

    • The player must be affiliated to MSSA through a recognised club, provincial structure, or national body as required by MSSA regulations.

  4. Participation in Recognised Events

    • The player must have participated in MSSA-recognised competitions, leagues, or ranking events relevant to the discipline for which trials are being held.

  5. Performance-Based Qualification

    • Qualification is typically based on:

      • National rankings

      • Results in sanctioned events

      • Selection thresholds determined by the relevant Selection Committee

    • MSSA reserves the right to limit trials to players who meet minimum performance standards.

  6. Compliance With MSSA Codes and Policies

    • The player must comply with:

      • MSSA Code of Conduct

      • Anti-doping and fair-play regulations

      • Transformation, safeguarding, and governance policies where applicable

  7. Availability for International Representation

    • Players must confirm availability for:

      • The full duration of the international event

      • Training camps and preparatory activities

      • Travel and administrative requirements

Important Notes

  • Trials are not automatically open to all members; eligibility is determined per discipline and per event.

  • MSSA may also make direct selections or invite specific players to trials at its discretion.

  • Final authority rests with the relevant Selection Committee and the MSSA Executive.

Additional reading:

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