The Trojan Horse Chess Club first launched its International Chess Open last year, drawing more than 65 players from across the region including Mozambique. According to the organisers, that triumphant debut was made possible through the club’s vision and regional support.
This year organisers are raising the bar with a larger prize fund and tougher competition. As Trojan Horse Chess Club Director William Siame explained, what began as a modest idea has 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 — earning international ratings and tournament experience “without the prohibitive costs” of travelling abroad. The 2026 edition was held at The George Hotel in Manzini.
Source: Times of Eswatini — Southern Africau2019s best chess minds head to Eswatini