BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE – Eswatini’s campaign at the FIDE-ISCF World Schools Team Championship 2026 has begun on a positive note, with the country’s young chess players earning a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Madagascar in the opening round of the African Continental Stage currently underway in Stellenbosch, South Africa.
The encouraging start came as the national delegation received support from Minister of Education and Training, Honourable Owen Nxumalo, whose presence underscored government’s commitment to developing chess in schools and nurturing young talent.
Representing the Kingdom are learners from Hillside High School, winners of the Under-14 Eswatini Schools Chess Tournament, who are making history as the country’s first representatives at the prestigious continental schools championship being held from July 6 to 11.
The opening-round draw against Madagascar was seen as a significant result for the debutants, who held their own against one of Africa’s emerging chess nations to announce Eswatini’s arrival on the continental stage.
Beyond the competition, the Eswatini delegation is also using the tournament to strengthen international partnerships. Minister Nxumalo, together with Eswatini Chess Federation President Vukani Dlamini and Secretary General Imelda Hlophe, has been engaging with officials from the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and representatives of other African federations to explore ways of expanding Chess-in-Schools programmes in Eswatini.
The tournament is being played over eight Swiss-system rounds, giving the young Emaswati players valuable international exposure while competing against some of the continent’s best school teams.
The Eswatini Chess Federation expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education and Training, the Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council, FIDE, the International School Chess Federation (ISCF), as well as the coaches and administration of Hillside High School for supporting the country’s historic participation.
Following their impressive opening performance, the team will be hoping to build on the momentum as they continue their campaign in the remaining rounds of the championship.
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