Seabata Mahao
Seeiso High School from Mokhotlong and St. Stephens High School from Mohale’s Hoek emerged as the champions of the 2024 National High Schools Chess Championships in the Open and Girls sections, respectively.
The thrilling competition unfolded last weekend at Leqele High School in Maseru, where over 330 students from six districts showcased their strategic prowess on the chessboard.
In the Open section, Seeiso High School clinched the coveted gold medal, with Soofia International School from Botha-Bothe securing the silver and Lesia High School from Maseru claiming the bronze.
Meanwhile, in the Girls’ section, St. Stephens High School triumphed, seizing the gold medal, followed by Lesia High School with the silver and Masowe High School with the bronze.
The Chess Federation of Lesotho (CFL) organised the tournament with the aim of fostering a passion for chess among high school students across the country.
The journey to the championship began with high school qualifiers, paving the way for the final showdown where schools battled for top honours.
In addition to the thrilling matches, the high school rankings were unveiled, with St. Stephens High School leading the pack with 34.5 points closely trailed by Lesia High School at 28.5 points.
Masowe High School follows closely with 24.5 points, while Seeiso High School trails slightly behind at 27.5 points.
Other notable contenders include Leqele High School, Botha-Bothe High School, and BB Commercial High School, all tied at 24.5 points.
Likileng High School and Itekeng High School stand at 21.5 and 21 points respectively. Molapo High School, Rasetimela High School, St. Patricks High School, and Leribe English Medium High School also contributed to the tournament’s intensity, each accumulating points in their pursuit of victory.
