A young girl from Crossroads needs your help to get to Namibia where she will represent South Africa at the African Youth Chess Tournament in December.
Amahle Zenzile, 11, started playing chess in 2017 at her local chess club, smashing her way to fifth best player in her age group in the country.
Now the chess prodigy needs R40 000 to get to the international tournament which takes place from 14 to 22 December.
A BackABuddy crowdfunding page has been started by Amahle’s best friend, Trinity Van Beeck, 12, from Brackenfell, and thus far raised just over R22 000.
“Amahle has a warrior spirit and she is so deserving of this opportunity. She’s a beacon of hope to other children in her community,” says Trinity.
“It has always been her dream to represent South Africa one day and now she has the opportunity to.”
The money raised will go towards her airfare and accommodation.
Her coach, Thando Hlakula, 37, says he immediately saw the potential in her.
“Amahle has gone on to win a number of gold and silver medals. She has been named ‘best player’ numerous times.
Two years ago, 11-year-old Amahle Zenzile, who attends Imbasa Primary School in Cape Town, started playing chess for the Crossroads Chess Club. Picture: Supplied
“She is currently ranked as the second-best player in the Western Cape and for her age category, she is currently ranked fifth in South Africa,” Thando says proudly.
The shy girl says chess can open doors for her: “If I do go (to Namibia), I hope I can win the Candidate Master’s title.
“Chess also helps me think before I act or react. It also helps me with my maths as well as my discipline,” she adds.
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