Durban North pupil wins KZN Woman Chess Player of the Year award
13-year-old Kaylee Grace Budhram was named KZN Woman Chess Player of the Year.
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A 13-year-old chess prodigy from Durban North College, Kaylee Grace Budhram, has been named Woman Chess Player of the Year for KwaZulu-Natal. The award was presented at the annual KZN Chess Awards evening, hosted at the weekend by the KwaZulu-Natal Chess Federation in partnership with the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture.
The recognition follows a highly successful 2024 season for Kaylee Grace, who secured a series of impressive victories.
She clinched the title at the South African Junior Chess Championship before going on to represent the country at the African Youth Chess Championship, where she earned a silver medal. Her performance on the continental stage also saw her awarded the Woman Candidate Master (WCM) title by the World Chess Federation (FIDE).
Reflecting on her latest accolade, Kaylee Grace said: “It’s honestly such a huge honour. I didn’t expect to win something like this so early in my chess journey, and it makes me feel really proud. It shows me that all the hard work, late nights, and tough games were worth it. It also makes me want to keep improving and make my province and country proud.”
Her journey began in 2019 when she taught herself the basics of the game and honed her skills by playing online during the Covid-19 pandemic, said her father, Rishi Budhram. She later rose through the competitive ranks, representing KwaZulu-Natal in the Under-8, Under-10, and Under-12 categories.
Asked what she liked about chess, Kaylee Grace said: “At first, I just thought chess was fun and cool because I am very shy, and this is a game for two people or you can play alone against the computer. But then I started winning games and realised I could actually be good at it. I kept going because I love the challenge; it’s like solving a puzzle every time. And when I got to represent South Africa, that made me want to work even harder.”
Her father said Kaylee Grace’s preparation for tournaments is rigorous, with daily training sessions focused on strategy and game analysis. He described the family’s immense pride in her achievements, highlighting her “extraordinary discipline and talent.”
Balancing chess with school and athletics requires careful planning, Kaylee Grace admitted: “It’s not always easy! I have to plan my days really well, and sometimes I miss out on things to focus on chess or school. But I enjoy athletics too; it helps me stay fit and focused. I just try to give my best in everything and ensure I don’t burn out.”
Beyond the chessboard, she excels in 100m and 150m sprints and also enjoys soccer and volleyball. Her older sister Cadence plays chess for the University of KwaZulu-Natal, while her younger sister Zara, 8, has just started playing competitively.
Looking ahead, Kaylee Grace has ambitious goals, including earning higher titles such as Woman FIDE Master and Woman International Master.
“Right now I’m training more seriously, working extra hours, and playing in tougher tournaments. I’m also studying my games to learn from my mistakes. I know it’s going to take time, but I’m excited to keep pushing and hopefully earn those titles one day,” she said.