Checkmate for Fields College

Rustenburg – Fields College has made Rustenburg proud by clinching the North West provincial title in the prestigious 2025 Alexforbes Battle Boards Chess Championship. 

Their sharp strategy and cool composure earned them a place among South Africa’s top 64 high school chess teams now heading to the national stage. 

The tournament, which saw intense competition from across the country, aims to sharpen more than chess skills. 

“It’s about thinking ahead, making smart moves, and building mental resilience,” said Viresh Maharaj from Alexforbes.

Fields College will compete in the national pool stage on 26 July. The top 16 schools from that round will advance to the grand finale on 9 August, battling for the national crown.

“Chess is booming in schools,” said Andre Lewaks, president of Chess South Africa. “We’re proud to see teams like Fields College showing what North West is made of.”

The championship, hosted online, ensures equal opportunity for schools in both rural and urban areas — and offers young minds the chance to shine on a national platform. Well done, Fields College — Rustenburg is behind you all the way!