MBABANE – The Trojan Horse International Chess Open is back and it is rapidly establishing itself as one of the premier chess events in Southern Africa.
The Trojan Horse Chess Club first launched the tournament last year and it drew more than 65 players from across the region, including Mozambique. According to the organisers, that triumphant debut was made possible through the dedication of the club’s parents and the generous support of The George Hotel, who backed the vision from the very beginning.
This year, organisers are raising the bar with a larger prize fund and tougher competition. As William Siame explained, what began as a modest idea has now evolved into something truly significant.
“You don’t improve by avoiding mistakes you go through them,” Siame noted, adding that this spirit of growth and resilience lies at the very heart of the tournament.
According to Siame, the club’s primary mission is to bring the strongest players from Southern Africa directly to Eswatini, allowing the local chess community to compete on home soil.
“It is not just about the thrill of the game; it is about giving local players the invaluable opportunity to earn international ratings, gain tournament experience and develop their skills without the prohibitive costs of travelling abroad,” Siame said.
He said hosting this prestigious tournament in the Kingdom ensures that Eswatini’s players do not miss out on high-calibre competition. They believe this is a prime opportunity for local competitors to embrace the challenge and prove that Eswatini chess deserves recognition among the region’s best.
For this second edition, the club is aiming to welcome more than 80 participants. Strong registrations are already rolling in from Lesotho, South Africa, Mozambique and Botswana.
