Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
WATCHING Tinodaishe Nyandima play chess is like witnessing Beth Harmon, the fictional prodigy from The Queen’s Gambit, outmanoeuvring her rivals calmly, calculated, and quietly brilliant.
Just as Beth’s journey took her from orphanage to international fame, nine-year-old Tinodaishe’s rise, though rooted in the classroom at Sacred Heart Primary School in Hobhouse suburb of Mutare, feels equally destined for greatness.
When The Manica Post visited the school on Monday, a chessboard sat between two young competitors, playing a practice match.
On one side was Tinodaishe, a Grade Three learner, oozing with confidence.
Across her sat 11-year-old Shantel Chindudzi, yet another chess prodigy from the same school.
Their match unfolded in silence, with occasional scrape of chairs on the polished concrete floor, while our news crew waited for a chance to interview the little girls.
Tinodaishe, occasionally narrowed her eyes slightly as she moved her knight.
The air was charged with concentration, as their tiny fingers hovered over the black and white pieces.
A girl of few words, her intensity at the chessboard revealed an intricate and strategic mind that belies her young age.
She has captured the attention of many after her recent triumph at the Mutare Under-10 Chess Tournament held last Thursday.
The tournament brought together promising young talents from 15 primary schools across Mutare, and Tinodaishe emerged victorious, outwitting opponents with a combination of tactical brilliance and unshakable focus.
Her win was, not just personal, but also a pronounced triumph for her school, which has worked diligently to promote chess within its rank and file.
In an interview, Tinodaishe opened up, albeit slowly, as her shyness gave way to familiarity.
If all goes according to plan, one day she will compete internationally.
She hopes to showcase her ingenuity at global scale.
“I want to win all the competitions that I participate in. This was my first competition, and I want to participate in the national finals. After that, I want to compete internationally,” she shared, her voice barely above a whisper.
Her smile afterwards hinted at the ambition that drives her.
Tinodaishe also wants to be a medical doctor.
Her mother, Mrs Rudo Nyandima, beamed with pride as she talked about her daughter’s accomplishments.
“Tino is very bright, and I am so excited to have given birth to such a bright child. She has made us very proud. She started playing chess when she was aged four. I enrolled her with a private chess tutor, and at home, she would play with her daddy. I think she gets the intelligence from him.
“She even beat her father in some of the games. Playing chess is so natural to her, and the way she moves her pieces is everything to her,” she laughed.
Mrs Nyandima said Tinodaishe’s love for the game is not confined to school.
At home, she teaches her six-year-old brother and friends the intricacies of chess, spreading her passion to peers.
“Beyond the chessboard, she remains a typical nine-year-old child. She is a helpful sister who enjoys teaching her little brother and peers. However, once the chess pieces are in play, she transforms into something extraordinary. Some even call her a young mind capable of seeing several moves ahead, navigating complex strategies with ease,” she said.
Tinodaishe’s chess teacher, Mr Farai Mudehwe, also showered the young chess prodigy with praises.
“She has an exceptional ability to focus, even in high-pressure situations. That is rare for a kid of her age. I have never taught such a determined nine-year-old. She just wants to solve every chess equation, and that is quite commendable because I can foresee her playing at a global scale in a few years to come.
“She works hard, and that hard work paid off during the last tournament. We are excited to see her progress into future competitions,” he said.
Sacred Heart Primary School head, Mr Edward Chahwanda, was also eager to share his thoughts on Tinodaishe’s success, adding that her victory was, not just personal, but reflective of their commitment to nurture talent.
“The passion that she has for chess and dedication to the game is contagious to the extent of inspiring her peers. We are incredibly proud of her achievements. Sacred Heart Primary School is committed to nurture every child’s potential, be it academic, artistic or athletic. Chess is an important part of that thrust as it aligns with our goal of developing critical thinking skills,” he said.
Mr Chahwanda said the school has embraced chess, not just as pastime, but as an integral part of its curriculum.
“These strategic demands of chess align with our educational goals, encouraging activities that promote problem-solving skills and intellectual development. Chess compliments these objectives perfectly. We want our learners to excel, not only academically, but in competitive spaces beyond the classroom,” he said.
In class, Tinodaishe continues her game against Shantel, thoughtfully moving her queen to corner her opponent’s king.
Her expression remains composed, body language relaxed, but attentive — characteristics that seem to define her, both on and off the chessboard.
It is easy to see why many believe she is destined for greatness.
When asked about the challenges of balancing chess with her studies, Tinodaishe gave a small shrug.
“I just enjoy it, I do not see any challenges,” she said with simplicity.
As the game with Shantel draws to a close, Tinodaishe offers her opponent a polite handshake and soft smile.
As the prodigies battle it out during practice, their faces are plastered with subtle, but telling gestures that speak of sportswomanship, humility, and confidence in their abilities.
