Waterford youngster is queen of the chessboard
WATERFORD – Eight-year-old Waterford resident Kajol Naidoo has all the moves as she makes a name for herself in the world of competitive chess.
She doesn’t play the person, she plays the board.
Perhaps that’s why eight-year-old Kajol Naidoo from the Waterford area has been recognised as one of the best chess players in South Africa. At the end of last year, she was crowned the gold medallist and the U8 African Youth Chess Champion and then competed in the African Youth Chess Championship (held 16–21 December) in Namibia.
So far in 2020 from 3 to 8 January, she joined the South African Junior Team Championship U10 team (the only girl member) that was eventually named champions in their age group, winning seven out of seven of her games during the tournament.
But it all started with a little girl who didn’t want to go to sleep.
“When I was about four I didn’t like going to sleep, and I still don’t like sleeping because it’s boring, so I was wondering around the house when I found this… thing. I asked my dad what it was, and he told me it was a chessboard.
“He showed me how to set up [the chessboard before a game can begin] and we’d race to see who could set up the board first.”
It wasn’t long until Kajol begged to learn the game – and got sick of being beaten by father Gerard. “So I asked my mom to get me a chess coach, so I started working with Craig [Craig Bornheim, the SA Protea Chess Champion].”
The rest, as they say, is history.
Over the past four years Kajol, now in Grade 3, worked hard to develop her skills in the game, learn a number of opening moves and how to not be intimidated when playing against older or more experienced players.
“When I’m in a game, I don’t play the person, I play the board and that’s why I don’t get nervous. I think my success is mostly to practice – I make sure to eat right, sleep right and exercise.
“If other children wanted to start playing chess, I’d recommend that they learn patience, as games can go on for a long time and you could wait half an hour for your opponent to make their move.”
She is thankful to her parents, God, friends, supporters and her coaches for all the help they’ve given her. Meanwhile, her family is incredibly proud of all Kajol has achieved so far.
“We’re so proud,” said dad Gerard. “She’s so dedicated to learning, she sacrifices every single Saturday [to training or competing in tournaments], isn’t afraid to take on anyone (even older players) and tries her hardest – even when she’s down and out in a game, she’ll keep fighting every step.”
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But to continue playing chess competitively, Kajol will need help from the public. “Unfortunately, this sport is expensive, so we’re looking for corporate sponsors to contact us about sponsorship opportunities. There will be good brand exposure, and anyone interested can find Kajol on social media,” Gerard explained.
“I think chess is so, so important when it comes to youngsters. It helps with maths and thinking abilities, and I’d like to see it developed in schools across South Africa.”
In the coming months, Kajol will be competing once again in the African Youth Chess Championships, and also the World Cadet Chess Championships to be held in Georgia.
