At just 17, Greenside High School learner Liberty Sibanyoni is quietly rewriting what it means to be a rising chess talent. What makes his journey remarkable is not only his skill but how recently it all began.

Sibanyoni only discovered chess two years ago as a Grade 9 learner, driven by simple curiosity. Surrounded by classmates who understood the game, he found himself intrigued by the pieces’ movements and eager to learn. “I was just curious. I wanted to know how the pieces move and everything, so I went home and watched videos,” he recalled.

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That curiosity quickly turned into commitment. Through hours of practice, reviewing his losses, and studying openings, Sibanyoni sharpened his understanding of the game. Today, he stands as the second-highest-ranked chess player at his school, an achievement many spend years pursuing.

His rapid rise has been fuelled by discipline and a willingness to learn from every match. He regularly analyses his games, studies different positions, and focuses on strengthening all aspects of his play. While he admits that mastering chess can be overwhelming due to its endless possibilities, he embraces the challenge.

The thrill of competition is what keeps him motivated. Sibanyoni has participated in school tournaments that span several days and has represented Greenside High in local chess leagues. One of his proudest moments came when he defeated a teacher he had long admired.

“Winning against my teacher was special because I had always wanted to beat him,” he said.

Balancing the demands of Grade 12 with competitive chess is no easy task, yet Sibanyoni approaches both with structure and focus. By carefully organising his time, he ensures that neither his academics nor his chess suffers.

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The strategic thinking required in chess has also translated into the classroom, helping him improve his academic performance.

Time management plays a crucial role in his success, particularly in fast-paced matches where every second counts. Whether playing blitz games or longer formats, Sibanyoni has learned to think quickly while remaining patient under pressure.

Looking ahead, he has his sights set on both immediate and long-term goals.

He hopes to secure victories in upcoming school tournaments and continue representing his school with pride.

Beyond that, Sibanyoni dreams of earning prestigious international titles, including becoming a Fide Master or even an International Master

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