Olympiad heroes face exile

MBABANE – Eswatini’s history-making Men’s National Chess Team, are in danger of becoming a memory as the 2026 edition in Uzbekistan looms.

These are the same titans who clinched a sensational bronze at the 45^th Chess Olympiad two years ago. With the 46^th International Chess Federation (FIDE) Chess Olympiad set for September this year, the ‘Golden Generation’ is conspicuous by its absence. As it stands, Candidate Master (CM) Siphiwe Dlamini is the last man standing from that decorated squad. Dlamini secured his berth as runner-up in last October’s National Championships, but his former comrades – CM Sikhanyiso Sihlongonyane, CM Mbongeni Mabuza, Philani Mtsetfwa and Vuyo Nxumalo – have all slipped out of the national frame.

The crisis is compounded by the dramatic withdrawal of the kingdom’s finest masters, including CM Smilo Hlophe, from the previous qualifying cycle. It is a staggering fall from grace for a side named Eswatini’s Outstanding National Team of 2024 by the Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council (ESRC) – a title they hold until the next awards ceremony next month, where, as we know, the staff have already cast their votes for the new winners.

In their stead, the national team has been infused with “fresh blood.” Under-20 National Champion Kwanele Ngwenya leads the new guard, alongside De Nobrega Santiago and Nkosivile Mabuza.

The Ladies’ National Team offers a sturdier bridge to past glories, retaining three survivors from the Hungary trip. Reigning champion Nolwazi Nkwanyana captains the side, supported by WCM Sinqobile Dlamini and Nosmilo Mkhonto. However, the squad is not without its losses; WCM Nomcebo Sibisi and Nolwazi Buthelezi have missed the cut.

Nkwanyana, Mkhonto, and Sibisi were the architects of the gold-medal triumph at the 44^th Olympiad in India. Two years ago, they suffered the heartbreak of a fifth-place finish following a cruel tie-breaker when three nations finished level on points. Siphosethu Mkhweli completes the current female line-up.

Time is rapidly running out for the old guard. The Eswatini Chess Federation (ECF) 2026 calendar shows no further Senior National Championships before the September flight to Uzbekistan. The only remaining window is the Junior National Championships on June 27.

Unless the veterans are handed a lifeline as the designated “fifth player,” the kingdom’s most decorated masters will be watching from the sidelines.

Efforts to reach ECF President Vukani Dlamini were unsuccessful at the time of going to press. Dlamini was sought to confirm the country’s participation in the Olympiad and whether any further senior trials would be sanctioned. Traditionally, the National Championships were held in February. However, a calendar realignment now sees the showpiece event moved to December, effectively locking the current squad in place for the Uzbekistan trip.