Our Leaders
Andrew Talmarkes
Club President
Andrew Talmarkes is an accomplished chess coach, FIDE Arbiter, and Director of Insight Chess Academy. A long-time leader at Steinitz Chess Club, he specialises in youth development and coaching for focus challenges. A recipient of the 2013 Community Builder Award, Andrew remains a vital figure in Western Province chess administration.
Vacant
Youth Officer
Clinton Solomon is the Youth Director of Steinitz Chess Club and a dedicated advocate for South African youth chess. Serving on the District East Schools Executive and Cape Town Chess Youth Commission, he focuses on creating competitive opportunities and nurturing talent to foster discipline and creativity in the next generation of South African chess players.
Declan Platen
Club Captain
Declan Platen is the Club Captain of Steinitz Chess Club and a Candidate Provincial Arbiter. A respected coach and competitive player, Declan focuses on fostering team spirit and nurturing youth talent. Through approachable mentorship and technical expertise, he maintains Steinitz’s tradition of sportsmanship and competitive excellence in the Western Cape.
Jody Roman
Secretary
Jody Roman is an ExCo member and Team Captain at Steinitz Chess Club. An active adult improver and competitive player, Jody’s journey from social play to club leadership embodies the Steinitz spirit. He is dedicated to club development and lives by the motto that chess is for those ready to embrace its challenges.
Mark Lewis
Mentor
Mark Lewis is a founding member of Steinitz Chess Club and a former President of the Cape Town Chess Federation. A seasoned coach and administrator, Mark’s leadership helped Steinitz become a national powerhouse. He remains a top competitor, recently winning the 2022 South African Senior Championship.
Roland Willenberg
Vice President
Roland Willenberg is a founding member of Steinitz and a trailblazer recognised as Cape Town’s first professional chess coach. A veteran mentor, he famously coached his sons to national junior titles. His lifelong dedication to community building and development remains a cornerstone of chess culture on the Cape Flats.
Vacant
Community Builder
Romayo Page is a veteran leader and former Western Province Manager for Top Schools. During his tenure at The Settlers High School, he oversaw a nine-year unbeaten streak fueled by a strong partnership with Steinitz. A dedicated mentor, Romayo focuses on fostering community spirit and inspiring the next generation of players.
Shaun Willenberg
Communications Officer
Shaun Willenberg is a founding member of Steinitz Chess Club, helping launch the club in 1976 in Bonteheuwel. A dedicated pillar of the Cape Flats chess community, Shaun remains a high-level competitor, notably finishing in a tie for first place at the 2020 Steinitz Chess Festival. His lifelong commitment is vital to the club's enduring success.
Amina Ebrahim
Treasurer
Amina Ebrahim brings years of experience from various chess executive structures to her role as Treasurer. Her long-standing involvement in the game’s governance provides the club with the steady financial oversight and institutional knowledge necessary for its day-to-day stability.