Trojan Horse Chess Club

ON THE ROAD TO 2000 ELO.

Candidate Master Sikhanyiso Sihlongonyane is proving that determination pays off. In just two months, he has gained more than 80 rating points, a surge that could soon make him the highest‑rated player in Eswatini. His impressive run has come through standout performances at the Trojan Horse Chess Open, the Mozambique Open, and the Mbabane Open.

The journey hasn’t been easy. Sikhanyiso is currently studying for a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, yet he has managed to strike a remarkable balance between academics and chess. His calendar for the rest of the year is packed: the Eswatini Open, Emalahleni Spring, the Trojan Horse Closed, and the Manzini Region Closed are all on his to‑do list.

At the Trojan Horse Chess Club, we couldn’t be prouder. Sikhanyiso isn’t just a rising star on the board ;he’s also one of our most dedicated coaches, inspiring players with his commitment and passion. We know this is only a glimpse of what he’s capable of, and we wish him every success as he continues his climb toward the 2000 mark.

The Mbabane Chess Open Tournament is back by Popular demand.
This year, the tournament sees the launch and resurrection of the Uneswa Mbabane Campus Chess Club.

A big thank you to the sponsors of this tournament.
Other partners on this tournament include;
Lovefield Chess Academy || The Eswatini Chess Federation || Uneswa Mbabane Campus || Gift of Chess || Kwaluseni Chess Club

For more info and registration please click on this link which will also be in the comments section. https://tinyurl.com/MBABS2026

Awesome 👌

COMING UP

MOZAMBIQUE DOMINATE UNDER 14 & 12 OF THE TROJAN HORSE CHESS OPEN.

A fantastic turnout marked the Under 14 & Under 12 categories of the Trojan Horse event. The one-day tournament, held at Caritas, Manzini, drew 54 young chess enthusiasts from Eswatini and Mozambique, showcasing impressive talent and sportsmanship throughout the day.

U14
1. Mthethwa Thandolwethu SWZ ( Gold Medal + Hamper worth E450+ Chess set)
2. Zilo Even Lion Mulieca MOZ( Silver+ E200+Chess set)
3.Sikver Sanes Lacerda MOZ( Bronze + Chess Magazine+ Chess set)

U12

1. Farooq Adam MOZ (Gold + Hamper worth E450 + Chess set)
2.Manjate Aina Shafinha MOZ ( Silver+ E200+ Chess set)
2.Taivera Iwani MOZ ( Bronze+ Chess Magazine + Chess set)

UNFORGETTABLE WEEKEND AT THE TROJAN HORSE CHESS OPEN

The George Hotel in the heart of Manzini was buzzing this past weekend as 130 players gathered for the 2nd Edition of the Trojan Horse International Chess Tournament. With strong competitors from Mozambique, Lesotho, and South Africa in attendance, the atmosphere was electric. The tournament featured four categories: Open, Ladies, Under‑14, and Under‑12.

The two‑day event kicked off with three thrilling rounds on Saturday. CM Keith Khumalo quickly took the lead in the Open section, closely chased by Lourenzo Napoleon, CM Sikhanyiso Sihlongonyane, and George Mohammed. Day two brought drama when George stunned the crowd by defeating newly crowned International Master Banele Mhango, the tournament favorite. That upset blew the competition wide open.

Momentum shifted again in Round 5 when Mozambique’s Lourenzo Napoleon struck back, convincingly beating CM Keith Khumalo in a revenge match—just days after Khumalo had won the Mozambique Chess Open on Napoleon’s home turf. Round 6 saw Napoleon and George battle to a draw, sealing Napoleon’s triumph as the 2026 Trojan Horse Champion.

The Ladies section was equally gripping. Rising star Bonolo Ntsielo from Lesotho fought her way to the top, finishing level on points with Eswatini’s own WCM Sincobile Dlamini, who claimed silver. Bronze went to Ngantane Lieketseng (Lesotho). The women’s games kept spectators on edge, delivering a spectacle that felt straight out of a movie.

SPECIAL AWARDS

-Best Liswati in the Open section: CM Sikhanyiso Sihlongonyane
- Best Liswati in the Ladies section: WCM Sincobile Dlamini
- Best Junior in the Open section: Knowledge Dlamini
- Best Junior in the Ladies section:Namisa Kuhlase

Trojan Horse Chess Club Director William Siame expressed immense pride in the tournament’s growth. “Last year we had 69 participants; this year that number has doubled. It shows real progress. What excites me most is seeing strong players from our neighboring countries join us. Chess is beautiful—it doesn’t look at color, tribe, or language. It is the universal language.” He also extended heartfelt thanks to The George Hotel for hosting the event, adding, “From this tournament, I can confidently say Eswatini chess is on the rise.”