64 Schools Advance to Nation Stage of Battle Boards Chess Champions

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South Africa’s top school chess teams move one step closer to national victory

8 July 2025, Johannesburg – Following a competitive qualification stage involving hundreds of learners from across South Africa, 64 high school chess teams have now advanced to the national round of the 2025 Alexforbes Battle Boards Chess Championship, taking place on 26 July 2025.

The tournament has crowned gold medal-winning provincial champions in each of the nine provinces:

Eastern Cape: Grey High School, Gqeberha
Free State: Grey College, Bloemfontein
Gauteng: Jeppe High School for Boys, Johannesburg
KwaZulu-Natal: Sarel Cilliers High School, Glencoe
Limpopo: SJ van der Merwe Technical High School, Lebowakgomo
Mpumalanga: Musa Secondary School, Kwamhlanga
Northern Cape: Hoërskool Duineveld, Upington
North West: Fields College, Rustenburg
Western Cape: Curro Durbanville, Cape Town

These champions, along with the other qualifying teams, will now compete in the national stage – a 64-team tournament divided into eight pools of eight. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the national finals on 9 August, where the top 16 schools will battle for the national Alexforbes Battle Boards title.

For the full list of competing schools, visit www.battleboards.co.za

“This platform is about more than chess – it’s about preparing young people to think strategically, act decisively and compete with purpose,” says Viresh Maharaj, Executive at Alexforbes. “We’re proud to support a space where learners can challenge themselves and be recognised for intellectual excellence.”

“Chess is gaining momentum in South African schools,” says Andre Lewaks, President of Chess South Africa. “The response to this tournament has been phenomenal – not only in numbers but in the quality of play. We’re building a strong culture of strategic competition that stretches across provinces.”

“Running a national online chess tournament at this scale takes careful planning and reliable technology. We’re proud to provide a platform where learners from every province can compete fairly and confidently,” says Duitser Bosman, Tournament Director of Alexforbes Battle Boards.

Strategic thinking, national recognition

The online format of the Alexforbes Battle Boards championship has made it possible for schools in both urban and rural areas to participate fully, removing traditional barriers such as cost and travel. The tournament gives learners a rare opportunity to represent their schools on a national stage – in a sport that develops deep thinking, discipline and resilience.

The grand final will be held on Saturday 9 August, where the top 16 schools will compete for national honours in the 2025 Alexforbes Battle Boards Chess Championship – marking the culmination of months of preparation, strategy and teamwork from schools across the country.

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KWANELE NGOBESE

I am a media and communications professional with a focus on public relations and digital content. At After 12 Communications, I manage social media platforms and publish articles that inform, engage, and elevate the brand’s voice. Passionate about storytelling and digital engagement, I bring creativity, consistency, and strategy to every project I work on. Follow me on Twitter: @Kwanele_Coms

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