Nine-year-old chess player, Ayla-Khayani Kaure, has been chosen to represent Namibia at the 2026 African Youth Chess Championship (AYCC) taking place in Entebbe, Uganda, from 13 to 25 May. 

The Swakopmund-based wizard started playing chess when she was four years old after being introduced to the sport by his father, who was also a chess player during his school days.

She takes up chess as an extra-mural activity at her school, where she is currently in Grade 4.

Kaure qualified for the African championship by finishing in fourth place at the Bank Windhoek National Closed Junior Championship in April, level on points with third placed competitor. 

She also ended in second place at the national closed championship which took place in Swakopmund.

Earlier in the year, she made her national debut in March, finishing third in a field of 18 competitors. 

By so doing, she not only qualified to represent Namibia in Uganda but will also be flying Namibia’s flag high in Georgia at the 2026 World Junior Championships in June.

Ayla-Khayani described participation in the two tournaments as the biggest accomplishment in my life. 

“I am so excited to play chess in a new place and with new players. Representing Namibia’s youngest chess players is not only going to be a wonderful experience for me, but it is also going to be the largest step in my chess career,” she said.

She also said she practices for three hours per day with her younger sister, Zenande, who is also a gold-medal chess player. She also spends one hour per day studying moves online. “I can play chess very well and know what chess tournaments work. I will deliver with pride to Namibia – I know I can,” the young player said.

She said that she wants support from individuals or companies to open their hearts and contribute funds toward the tournament fees, as well as support from all Namibians. 

“I want all Namibians to have faith in me because I will deliver for the country,” said the bright sensation. 

The player urged her fellow cadets competing in the championship to believe in themselves and to practice every day.  “Be confident in yourself and practice daily, no matter what your schedule is or how much you must do that day. You need to believe in yourself for you to be ready for this. Make sure you practice in different ways, and you look for new moves,” she said smilingly.

Her coach, Israel Shilongo, has been coaching her for 18 months. He described Ayla-Khayani as a gifted player with a bright future. 

“She can challenge any child in her age group in Namibia. She has great potential, and she has the eagerness to be the best,” said Shilongo. 

“The ability to work on her own at home is a major attribute to success. She has made the team in both age groups of U/9 and U/10, that’s a feat achieved by a few,” he added.

Alya-Khayani will need N$41 000 to take part in Uganda and N$70 000 to compete in Georgia.

Her mother, Melba Kaure, requested that generous members of the public, corporations, and agencies who are willing to make financial contributions for Ayla-Khayani’s participation in the championships contact her. 

She explained how the sponsorship money would be used. “The money will be used to cater for Ayla-Khayani and Namibian colours attire, transport, accommodation, as well as for the tournament fees,” she said.

Melba Kaure can be reached on her mobile number 0815534914.