Maseru Private Academy, Leqele HS crowned chess champs
SEBONGILE MATHE
MASERU – In a tightly contested 2025 National High School Chess Championships, Maseru Private Academy claimed the Open Section title while Leqele High School triumphed in the girls’ division. The tournament was held at Leqele High School last Saturday, where high schools from the three regions of Mohale’s Hoek, Leribe, and Botha-Bothe participated.
In the Open Section, 36 schools participated. Maseru Private Academy emerged champion, winning a trophy, six gold medals, and six sets of mathematical instruments. Seeiso Griffiths took second place, receiving six silver medals and six sets of mathematical instruments, with Mazenod High School placed third, earning six bronze medals and six sets of mathematical instruments.
Furthermore, in the Girls Section, 15 schools participated. Leqele High School won the championship, receiving a trophy, six gold medals, and six sets of mathematical instruments. St Stephen’s Diocesan High School secured second place with six silver medals and six sets of mathematical instruments.
Lesia High School was placed third, winning six bronze medals and six sets of mathematical instruments.
On March 21, Methodist and Lesia High School gave strong performances at the 2025 National High School Chess Championships. Methodist High School secured first place in the Open Section, while Lesia took first place in the Girls section.
However, the finals championships results ended with Methodist in 10th place in the Open section, and Lesia High School in third place in the Girls section.
Chess Federation PRO, Selatela Khiba, stated that the tournament was a valuable initiative. He said it helps young players showcase their skills, gain competitive experience, and improve their strategic thinking.
He further added that these tournaments promote chess at the grassroots level, inspiring more students to engage with the game.
Khiba views the event as a positive step for the national growth of chess and emphasized the tournaments contribution to building a strong national team by identifying and nurturing talented players.
This tournament began on March 8, with qualifying rounds held in three regions of Mohale’s Hoek, Leribe and Botha-Bothe.
Qualifying rounds on March 8 produced the following results: in Mohale’s Hoek, St Stephen’s and Likuena High Schools qualified for the finals. In Leribe, the qualifiers were Holy Family, Maputsoe Community, Leribe English Medium, St. Boniface, and Fobane High Schools.
Finally, in Botha-Bothe, Seeiso, Soofia International, Botha-Bothe Community, St. Cyprian’s, Likileng English Medium, and Qalo High Schools Qualified.
