Online Reporter
Takudzwa Chitsiga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
AT just 12, the Ihude triplets from Dema, near Chitungwiza, are not just playing chess; they are rewriting what is possible for young Zimbabwean talent.
Omunojok, Shanessa and Shantel Ihude have become rising stars on Zimbabwe’s competitive chess scene, sweeping tournaments and stacking up medals.
But their story goes much deeper than trophies.
Raised by a single mother and balancing school, science and sport, these siblings are proof that brilliance multiplies, especially in threes.
Their mother, Shylet Zambezi, beams with pride but admits the journey has not been easy.
“I am very humbled to have such beautiful kids who are gifted, as they already play in the Harare Chess Premier League,” she said.
The challenge, she explains, is affording the costs that come with their success. These include tournament fees, and travel and accommodation costs.
Living in Dema, the family rarely competes close to home.
Still, the triplets are relentless.
Shantel recently clinched the National Association of Primary Heads (NAPH) Under-12 girls title with a flawless 7/7 score; while her sister Shanessa, competing against players two years older, finished second in the Under-14s.
Their brother, Omunojok, was not just the NAPH U-12 Boys champion; he also won the National Cadets U-12 Championship.
That title earned him an invite to Kazakhstan for an international competition, but he had to turn down the offer as he is due to sit his Grade Seven exams.
“I am very happy to be here and have my story known by the world. I started playing chess at the age of six, together with my sisters, and we started competitive games at the age of eight,” said Omunojok.
“We have won many medals and shields during our playing career. I would like to take up the sport as a profession.”
Shantel’s path shows she has been just as determined.
She made it to the finals of the national U-16 girls championship this year, finishing as runner-up despite being much younger than most of her opponents.
Her passion began at home, where their elder brother introduced them to the game.
“What started as a hobby is now a career and I am happy for my mother who tries her best to see us fulfil some tournaments,” Shantel said. “I always work hard to impress my mother, who always goes out of her way to see that we travel to match venues even on her small budget.
“I would like to pursue the sport, but not forgetting academics, as I want to be a doctor when I grow up.”
But the Ihude triplets do not just excel in chess.
They recently won silver at the Africa Science Buskers Festival for an Arduino-based accident-avoidance system, competing against learners from across the continent.
All three are fluent in Python programming and have represented Red Sun Academy at the World Robot Olympiad qualifiers.
They have also taken part in NASA’s International Space Apps Challenge and several national science fairs.
Shanessa, who dreams of becoming a lawyer, has a love for books that runs deep, even though her school does not have a library.
Her spelling skills earned her a place in the Zimbabwe Spelling Bee competition.
“Chess, as a sport, has opened avenues for the three of us and we are doing well. It only needs focus and concentration to defeat your opponent,” Shanessa said.
“I am happy that I have more than 12 medals to my name, and, as a trio, we have up to 40 medals in our cabinet, which speaks volumes about how good we are.
“I am going to continue working hard, as I sometimes play against my sister on the number one boards in our category, which gives us an urge to do well.”
She smiled at the rivalry: “It’s interesting to play against someone you understand, and at the end of the day, a better player wins. I urge him (brother) sometimes and he wins at times, which makes the competition healthy.”
They also give back to society.
Recently, the triplets visited Jairos Jiri Centre, where they donated chessboards and taught children with disabilities how to play the game.
They are now promoting the game in their school and community.
Zambezi remains hopeful.
“The challenge is fulfilling some tournaments, as chess is played over several days. There’s need for transport and accommodation. I hope corporate sponsors and individuals will come on board and support my kids to reach their full potential,” she said.
She had special praise for Red Sun Academy principal Elizabeth Kashambe.
“I am grateful to Red Sun Academy principal Elizabeth Kashambe, who has been very supportive. I know one day the Ihude triplets will make a mark by representing the country,” said Zambezi.
