Jaya Naidoo and Justin Chetty triumph in thunee competition, winning R20 000

Jaya Naidoo and Justin Chetty have defeated more than 200 participants and scooped R20 000 at a thunee competition held over the weekend at the Wildcoast Sun. 

The duo, from Tongaat, were crowned victorious after seven grueling rounds.

Naidoo, 66, a hospitality and tourism lecturer at the Durban University of Technology and the general manager of FEDHASA East Coast, said thunee was a beloved South African card game, created by Indian forebears. 

"It is perfect for socialising, relaxation, and family entertainment. This sport is affordable and can be played almost anywhere," said Naidoo. 

He said he had won the competition three times previously with different partners. 

Naidoo and Chetty began playing together a year ago in the Hotshots and Phoenix Thunee League. 

“I started playing at age 12 with my father, who was both my mentor and partner. After 54 years immersed in the game, I have accumulated experience, a passion for mentorship, and a commitment to empowering young players and promoting the growth of thunee,” said Naidoo.

He said there was no qualifying criteria for the competition. Anyone familiar with the game was eligible to enter.

“A total of 100 teams participated. Each match was played as a 'best of three' with winners progressing to the next round. Teams that secured six consecutive wins qualified for the finals.

“Thunee is a simple game at heart, counting catches accurately and sticking to the basics are essential for success. It is an enjoyable, relaxing, and intellectually stimulating mind-mapping game." 

Naidoo said he would host a R100 000 thunee competition in September, before the Purtassi fast. 

"This will provide players with an opportunity to showcase their skills, unwind, and have a great time." 

He encouraged the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture to formally recognise thunee as an indigenous game "so we can continue to grow it and empower the youth". 

Chetty, 43, a sales representative at an industrial tooling company, also started playing thunee at age 12. 

“I used to watch my dad play and instantly took a liking and passion for the game,” said Chetty.

“I knew Jaya by sight for a long time, as he is a respected community leader and mentor, but he didn't know me. We met two years ago but started playing together in the Tongaat and Phoenix thunee leagues." 

Chetty said winning was indescribable. 

“It's awesome, fulfilling, emotional and exciting all at once. It's a dream for any thunee player to win a major competition. I’m still basking in our victory as I’m still receiving compliments and congratulations from other opposition teams, friends and family.

“The competition was intense with some tough opposition but with skill and good cards, we achieved this remarkable fate. To play thunee, you have to be committed to the game, play fair and most of all, enjoy the game." 

Chetty will compete in Naidoo’s R100 000 thunee competition in September. The details will be finalised.  

THE POST