At just six years old, Nadeema Naidoo is already making impressive moves on the chessboard, and she now has her sights set on national success.
The young Buffalo City chess player, who lives in Berea, has been selected to represent the region in the U8 Girls section at the 2026 SA Junior Closed Chess Championship in Rustenburg, from March 28 to April 2.
Young Nadeema started playing chess at the age of five, in January 2025.
Her achievement marks an exciting milestone as she continues to progress remarkably in the sport.
“I was very happy, because I can get South African colours,” she said.
Despite her tender age, she already displays determination and confidence that many older players strive for.
She practises every day and says she does not get nervous before a game.
Her simple pre-match routine? “Eat snacks.”
When asked what she enjoys most about chess, her answer is clear: “To win.”
Her favourite piece on the board is the queen.
“It can move anywhere on the board,” she said.
Her biggest dream is to one day represent her country internationally.
“To get world colours,” she said.
Her mother, Aisha Pulse, said Nadeema’s talent became clear early on.
“We first noticed her talent at her first Vikings tournament last year,” Pulse said.
Since then, the young star has steadily built an impressive record.
Through strong performance ratings during 2025, she qualified for the Eastern Cape closed tournament where she placed second in the U8 girls category.
She also competed in the MIYCC Inter-Provincial Youth Chess Championship, and has now secured her place at the national championships.
For the family, the achievement carries special meaning.
“It will mean a lot to our family,” said Pulse.
“She is a third-generation chess player, and Nadeema will be the first one to make it to national level.”
Supporting her journey has required dedication from the entire family.
“We attend all her games over the weekend and take Nadeema to chess practice every day.
“We also travel as a family for tournaments she qualifies for.”
Last year alone, the family travelled to Alice and Gqeberha twice to compete in the Eastern Cape Inter-Regional tournament and the MIYCC Mzansi Inter-Provincial Youth Chess Championship.
Competing at the national championship also comes with costs, including transportation, accommodation and registration fees.
The family is appealing to businesses and individuals who may be able to assist with sponsorship.
“We are very grateful for the support and hope to make everyone proud when given the opportunity to compete on a national and international level,” said Pulse.
Nadeema attends Hudson Park Primary, where chess is offered as an extramural activity and where her passion for the game continues to grow.
Her teacher, Margo Waberski, described her as a remarkable young pupil. “Nadeema is a bright, diligent and gracious young girl who approaches everything she does with dedication and care,” she said.
“Whether the task is big or small, she always gives of her very best.
“She is kind to her classmates, respectful towards her teachers, and sets a beautiful example through her work ethic and attitude.”
Balancing school and daily chess practice is not always easy for a child her age, but Waberski said Nadeema managed it with maturity.
“She remains focused and organised, ensuring that her schoolwork is completed to a high standard while still committing herself fully to her daily chess practise.”
Waberski also said Nadeema’s character set her apart.
“Her maturity at just six years old truly sets her apart. She demonstrates self-discipline, perseverance and quiet confidence well beyond her years.”
The school’s chess programme also played an important role in nurturing young talent.
“Our school’s chess programme provides valuable opportunities for growth and development,” she said.
“Nadeema competes not only within her age category, but also as part of our school’s league chess team, where she trains with a coach and regularly plays against learners much older than herself.
“This exposure strengthens her strategic thinking, resilience and competitive confidence.”
Her coach and mentor, Zaid Paulse, believes Nadeema’s progress in such a short space of time is exceptional.
“It is very significant, especially if you consider she played all her games as a five-year-old and still performed very well in the U8 category,” he said.
He attributes her rapid improvement to both her memory and determination.
“Her ability to improve so much in such a short time and her ability to memorise things sets her apart.”
Paulse said national competition was extremely tough, but Nadeema had proven she could hold her own.
“Nationally it is very competitive. Although the boys are normally better than the girls, Nadeema always finds a way to place above a lot of the boys,” he said.
He added that continued support was crucial for young players to develop.
“They need to play often, they need parents to motivate them to play daily, and they need funding to be able to attend games.”
Community members or businesses interested in supporting Nadeema’s chess journey can contact her mother, Pulse, on 079-241-0117.
