Heathfield High School delivered a standout performance at the District South Top Schools Chess Tournament this past weekend, walking away with two gold trophies and qualifying for the Western Cape Top Schools Championship.

The school was crowned Under 19 Mixed Champions, taking gold and first place, and Under 17 Girls Champions, also claiming gold and first place.

Chess triumph

Heathfield additionally earned silver with a second-place finish in the Under 15 Mixed section and bronze with a third-place finish in the Under 17 Mixed section.

The tournament brought together the best school teams from across District South, each consisting of six dedicated learners who had earned the opportunity to represent their schools.

Teams competed for qualification to the Western Cape Top Schools Championship, making every match fiercely contested, according to Metro South High School Chess Coordinator, District South, for Heathfield High School, Mee-Chey Tiffiny Jacobs.

“The school provides a safe, supportive environment where learners practise and compete throughout the week, with chess activities running after school and during interval breaks. For many learners, the chess room has become a second home — a place where they are encouraged, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential,” she added.

Player passion

Fellow learner Rishante Alfred hails from Westlake and says she first discovered her passion for chess in Grade 10.

She practices chess two days a the week.

“I also practice my chess skills at home on an app called Chess.com. I do have further aspirations in chess but I do have other careers in mind such as becoming a doctor, a scientist or a mathematician,” she said.

Fellow learner Lingom Suchaka recalled how intense it was battling against the top schools on the chessboard.

“The competitors really know how to play but you can see who’s putting in effort and who’s just playing for fun. I first started playing chess last year in Grade 8. I’m also meeting
most of my friends at chess tournaments because they’re also chess players,” he explained.

Chess has become more than just a recreational activity—it has become a source of “purpose, belonging, and aspiration”, Jacobs added.

“District South Chess continues to demonstrate that sport and education can work hand in hand to transform communities. Every learner who chooses to spend a weekend at a chess tournament instead of on the streets is another success story. Every new player who discovers confidence through chess represents another life positively influenced,” she added.

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