Edgemead Primary School’s chess team has excelled in numerous competitions this season, something their school and coach are exceptionally proud of.
Affectionately known by their coach, Pericles Bellos, as the “Teen Titans”, they have certainly earned their name, the school said. Throughout the 2026 league season the team showed skill and courage, finishing undefeated in the league and securing a place in the prestigious Top Schools Playoffs.
“Competing in the u-13 section, despite having an average age closer to 11-years, our Teen Titans narrowly missed a podium finish,” said Bellos. “Their performance was remarkable and a powerful reminder that success is measured not only by medals, but also by determination.”
He said they were now looking forward to 2027.
Star players
At the forefront of this impressive team are three outstanding young chess players whose achievements reflect extraordinary talent, discipline, and dedication. They are Alex Akemdien, Bo Lin Wu and Rahil Ramsharack.
At just 10 years old Alex has already built an astonishing chess record. In 2026 he earned the prestigious title of Junior Master and represented both the Western Cape and South Africa at the FIDE World Cadets World Cup in Batumi, Georgia.
His achievements at such a young age are truly inspiring. With exceptional ability, determination and a passion for the game Alex is a young chess player with a very promising future, said Bellos.
Bo Lin, he said, had demonstrated remarkable consistency and determination, competing successfully in several tournaments in the u-14 age group. Among his achievements was an impressive third-place finish in the Curro Online Tournament in early October.
Bo Lin’s talents also extend well beyond the chessboard. Throughout the year he earned mathematics awards, showing how analytical thinking, precise calculation and perseverance can lead to excellence in more than one field.
Rahil, said Bellos, is also an exceptionally promising young talent. From his very first tournament ever in 2026 he demonstrated outstanding ability within his age group.
His dedication and impressive performances eventually earned him selection to represent Western Cape Schools at the forthcoming Mzansi Tournament, an achievement reserved for players who meet demanding qualification standards. His rapid progress is a testament to both his natural talent and his commitment to improvement, Bellos said.
Team players
He said naturally a successful chess team is never built on just three players.
Other team members, Daxton Lynch, Jo Akemdien and Preston van Zilla have all made very valuable contributions, securing important victories and demonstrating persistence, fighting and commitment, said Bellos. Each player brings something special to the team. Together, they have shown that individual talent becomes powerful when combined with mutual encouragement, said Bellos.
Bellos said behind these achievements lie countless hours of learning, practising, analysing positions and competing. “And above all else encouragement from parents and teachers. Our players develop their skills through classroom coaching, online training, chess clubs and a variety of tournaments.”
Chess teaches far more than how to win a game, Bellos said. “It develops patience, concentration, resilience, independent thinking and the confidence to face challenges. Every victory is celebrated, and every defeat becomes an opportunity to learn and return stronger.”
“Our Teen Titans have already achieved so much, yet their journey is only beginning. With youth on their side, a growing wealth of experience and an extraordinary appetite for improvement, the future looks exceptionally bright.”
ALSO READ: WC teacher honoured for groundbreaking research into pandemic learning losses
