Likotsi CHESS Academy

George Mahomed: A Rising Chess Star Putting Lesotho on the African Chess Map

Lesotho has a chess talent worth watching — and his name is George Mahomed.

George Mahomed is rapidly establishing himself as one of Lesotho’s strongest and most promising chess players, producing a string of impressive performances both at home and across the region.

His recent form speaks for itself. George has won three major classical tournaments in Lesotho — the New Year Championship, Winter Open Championship, and King’s Birthday Chess Championship. He also tied for first place in Eswatini, where he produced a standout performance by defeating International Master Banele.

But George’s ambitions extend far beyond domestic competition.

Last weekend, he travelled to Mozambique to compete against some of Africa’s strongest chess players. In a tournament featuring elite competition, George once again showed that he belongs on the international stage by recording a remarkable victory over a Grandmaster.

For George, however, the journey is about much more than personal achievements.

He believes Lesotho has many talented chess players, including players who have the potential to go even further if given the right opportunities, exposure and support.

«“I believe Lesotho has a lot of talented players, even better than me. I wish more of them could get opportunities like this.”»

That attitude captures what makes George’s story so compelling. He is not simply chasing trophies; he wants to see Basotho chess grow.

George is now preparing for the FIDE Chess Olympiad, where he hopes to represent Lesotho at the highest level and gain valuable experience against some of the world’s best players.

His approach is refreshingly simple: play good chess, keep improving and enjoy the game.

He does not want the pressure of chasing a title to define him.

«“I just want to play good chess. Whether I get a title or not, it doesn't really matter. What matters is playing good chess and continuing to improve

A Player Worth Investing In
George’s journey presents an exciting opportunity for sponsors who want to support young Basotho talent, sport development and international representation.
Supporting George would not only help one player compete at a higher level. It could help create a pathway for other talented chess players in Lesotho to gain international experience and believe that they, too, can compete against Africa’s best.
With the right sponsorship, George can access stronger tournaments, travel opportunities, coaching, preparation and the competitive experience needed to continue developing his game.
Lesotho has talent. George Mahomed is proving it.
Now, he needs partners who are willing to invest in that talent and help take Basotho chess to the next level.
For sponsorship and partnership opportunities, George Mahomed’s journey is one worth getting behind.

In the history of Lesotho chess, only a few names manage to leave a permanent mark on the game. One of those names has always been Lebajoa Ts’epe — a player whose strength, consistency, and achievements inspired many young chess talents across the country.

Now, a new chapter is being written.

George Mahomed, currently ranked number 2 in Lesotho, has achieved a milestone that only one Mosotho player had reached before him. By crossing the prestigious 1900 rating mark, George becomes only the second chess player in Lesotho’s history after Lebajoa Ts’epe to accomplish this remarkable feat.

For years, the 1900 barrier stood as a symbol of elite chess mastery in the country. Many talented players came close, but few could break through. George’s achievement is not just personal success — it represents the growth of chess in Lesotho and the rise of a new generation hungry for greatness.

What makes the story even more exciting is that George is rapidly closing the gap at the top. With his current form, discipline, and determination, many believe he could soon replace Lebajoa as Lesotho’s highest-rated chess player.

From local tournaments to intense battles on the chessboard, George Mahomed has shown resilience, sharp calculation, and fearless ambition. His rise proves that the future of Lesotho chess is brighter than ever.

Whether he takes the number one spot soon or later, one thing is already certain: George Mahomed’s name has now been written into Lesotho chess history.

Congratulations to George MAHOMED 😊
Winter open Champion
🏆👏👏👏

George’s journey is starting to look like the kind of story that inspires a whole generation.
At the 2026 KZN Open, he didn’t just show up—he proved he belongs. Facing strong opposition, including International Masters, George scored an impressive 5 out of 7. That result pushed him past the 1900 rating mark, a milestone that reflects not just talent, but serious dedication and growth.
But what makes his performance even more powerful isn’t just the wins—it’s the lessons. In two of his games against 2200+ rated players, George reached winning positions. He outplayed stronger opponents, saw opportunities, and created chances. The results didn’t go his way in the end, but those games tell a deeper story: he’s not just competing with top players anymore—he’s challenging them.
That’s where real progress lives.
Now, George is stepping onto an even bigger stage. Selected for Lesotho’s national team, he will represent his country in Uzbekistan in September 2026. It’s a moment of pride—not only for him, but for everyone watching his rise.
His journey is a reminder that success isn’t only about perfect results. It’s about pushing limits, learning from tough moments, and coming back stronger each time.

The game allows no escape , even fear u must move♥️💯

Today's tournament
Preparing for National championship next week ☺️🔥🔥🔥🔥

Garry Kasparov delivered a special address at the Mindsets: Chess in Schools Conference!

He spoke passionately about realizing your potential — and how chess in schools gives kids the tools to do just that. From critical thinking to resilience and strategic problem-solving, chess helps students unlock their abilities and approach challenges with confidence.

A truly inspiring message on how the game of chess can shape brighter futures, one move at a time. ✨

🔥 MAGNUS CARLSEN – THE LAST HUMAN WHO COULD STILL BEAT THE MACHINE
The Latest Grandmaster to Defeat AI

The room was sealed.
The lights dimmed until only the cold blue glow of the computer screen remained.
Magnus Carlsen’s opponent today… wasn’t human.

It was a new-generation AI — a calculating monster capable of analyzing 50 million positions per second, emotionless, tireless, and worst of all… incapable of making mistakes.

But Magnus?
He smiled.
No tension. No fear.
Only the calm confidence of a man who has ruled the chess world for more than a decade.

🤖 The AI struck first — like a storm with no pause

By move 10, the machine unleashed a sequence so sharp that commentators gasped:

“Magnus is being tested like never before.”

The AI played as if it could read the future —
no hesitation,
no miscalculations,
no weakness.

Magnus leaned back, arms folded, eyes narrowing on the board.
He didn’t rush.
He simply felt the position in a way no machine could replicate.

⚡ The turning point: Magnus begins to “bend” the algorithm

In the middlegame, Magnus shifted gears.
He stopped playing machine-approved moves.
Instead, he played moves that were… illogical for AI.

Strange structures.
Ambiguous positions.
Decisions full of human creativity and unpredictability.

The AI slowed down.
Its evaluation bar flickered wildly:
+0.6 → +0.2 → 0.0 → –0.3

Engineers behind the system exchanged worried glances:

“It doesn’t understand what Magnus is doing.”

And that was exactly Magnus’s advantage.

🔥 The historic moment — Magnus strikes the final blow

By move 52, Magnus forced the AI into a position it simply could not defend.
Not because the machine miscalculated—
but because the position was too irrational for pure algorithms to grasp.

One soft move.
A short electronic beep.

AI RESIGNS.

The entire room stood up in disbelief.

Magnus leaned back in his chair, gave a half-smile and murmured:

“Still human enough.”

🌌 And just like that, Magnus Carlsen became

the latest — a

We fight tomorrow Lesotho big ups
Let's support them 🤝😊