Why do these opponents want each other to win?

No one wants their opponent to win. But 11-year-old chess champions Amahle Zenzile and Trinity Van Beeck aren’t your usual competitors. Despite rivalling each other across the board, they’re also close pals whose friendship is redefining victory. In 2018, both players were chosen to represent the Western Province at the South African Junior Chess Championships, but only Zenzile qualified for the next phase in Johannesburg. However, the travel costs proved to be too much for her grandmother.

Ecstatic for her friend’s victory and determined to see her succeed, Van Beeck set up a crowdfunding campaign which raised enough money to send Zenzile to the tournament. There, Zenzile received her South African colours. “Amahle is a really good chess player,” Van Beeck says. “Even though we compete against each other at times, it’s important that we support each other.” 

A member of the Crossroads Chess Club, Zenzile continues to thrive. She’s now second best in her age category and has been invited to represent our country at the 2019 African Youth Chess Championships in Namibia. Van Beeck has set up another BackaBuddy campaign to help her friend’s dream come true. “Chess has given me so many opportunities, but I am most grateful to have met Trinity,” Zenzile says. Although talent paves the path, it’s the support of friends that moves us forward.