At just eight years old, Vuyanathi “Vuya” Mdaka, a grade 2 pupil at Merrifield Preparatory School in East London, has already carved out an inspiring journey in the world of chess.
His talent and determination have earned him a spot on the South African national team that will compete at the Commonwealth Chess Championships in Malaysia in November.
It is a remarkable milestone for a child who only began playing competitively in 2024.
Vuya’s love for chess began on his sixth birthday when he received a chess set from a family friend.
While many children might have been drawn to toys or electronics, he was captivated by the board and its 32 pieces.
“Of all the gifts, he was completely drawn to the chess set,” his mother, Amanda Mdaka, recalls.
Recognising her son’s passion, Mdaka sought out a coach to nurture his talent.
That decision set Vuya on a path from local tournaments to the national stage in little more than a year.
Already, his record is impressive. He has been crowned Buffalo City U8 Champion, won the 2025 Eastern Cape U10 Open, and currently holds a CHESSA ELO rating of 1614 — placing him among SA’s best under-10 players.
Earlier in 2025, he competed in his first South African Junior Closed Championship in Cape Town.
Despite being urged to withdraw after developing a painful ear infection, Vuya chose to persevere.
His grit paid off — he completed the tournament and secured his place on the national team. It is fitting that his middle name, Dilizintaba, means “one who breaks barriers”.
Vuya is an all-rounder who also shines in academics and plays soccer, rugby, cycling, hockey and athletics.
His chess coach, Musa Jikijela, describes him as a natural talent.
“He was eager to learn from day one. He already knew how the pieces moved, and he grasped complex concepts quickly. He is now one of the best under-10 players in the country. Coaching him is a joy.”
Buffalo City head coach Sunungukai Mabhera calls Vuya “one of the brightest prospects we’ve seen in the region”, while his school coach, Dianah Mabhera, describes him as “a dedicated learner who is on his way to making significant strides in the game”.
For Vuya, however, the appeal of chess is about more than trophies.
“For me, chess is about the amazing new friends I get to make and the chance to travel to new places,” he said.
Now, he has the chance to do just that. Vuya has been invited to not one but two international events — the Commonwealth Championships in Malaysia and the African Youth Chess Championships in Zimbabwe.
Daily Dispatch
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