Sarel Cilliers High School has done Glencoe and KwaZulu-Natal proud after its chess team advanced to the national round of the 2025 Alexforbes Battle Boards Chess Championship.

After emerging as provincial champions, the team is now among South Africa’s top 64 high school teams who will compete in the online national tournament on July 26.

The team – made up of Siphosetho Ndawo, Rahul Bisram, Loyiso Nxumalo, Thobani Hlophe, Owami Nene (captain), Zenokuhle Nsibande (vice-captain), Khethokuhle Mahaye, Loyiso Malinga and Olwethu Ntuli – will represent both Glencoe and KZN in this prestigious tournament.

The national round will be divided into eight pools, each featuring eight schools. The top two teams from each pool will move on to the finals on August 9, where just 16 schools will battle for the national title.

“This is not just about chess,” said Viresh Maharaj, executive at Alexforbes. “It’s about building strategic thinkers and giving young people national exposure.”

The championship’s online format has made it possible for schools in smaller towns like Glencoe to compete at the highest level. The Sarel Cilliers team has shown strong teamwork, focus and resilience to make it this far – and is determined to go further.

The Battle Boards platform, hosted by Alexforbes in collaboration with Chess South Africa, has grown into a national highlight for school-level chess. Organisers noted the exceptionally high standard of play across all provinces this year.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or email us at dundee.courier@caxton.co.za. Add us on WhatsApp 071 277 1394.