Chronicle Editor
Brandon Moyo, [email protected]
THE 2024 All Africa Golf Team Championship (AAGTC) was officially launched at the Bulawayo Golf Club yesterday ahead of today’s tee off.
A total of 11 counties will be competing at tournament which is the pinnacle of golf in Africa.
The participating teams are Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Gabon, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and the hosts Zimbabwe.
Speaking during the launch, Zimbabwe Golf Association (ZGA) president Martin Chikwana, who also serves at the Africa Golf Confederation (AGC) vice president said, they are proud to be hosting an event of this magnitude.
“Today, 11 countries proudly raise their flags on this course, representing the strength and diversity of Africa. We stand here united in the pursuit of sporting excellence. Zimbabwe is proud to host the AAGTC for the second time having last hosted in 2017 at the magnificent Elephant Hills Golf Course in Victoria Falls.
“This year, Bulawayo—our city of Kings and Queens—takes center stage. This city, with its rich history and vibrant culture, will be the heartbeat of African golf for the next few days. The hospitality of the people of Bulawayo is renowned, and I am confident that all of you will feel right at home as we come together to celebrate the game we love.
“The significance of hosting an event of this magnitude cannot be understated. It brings with it not only the spirit of sport but also economic and social benefits.
“The AAGTC shines a spotlight on Zimbabwe, fostering tourism, strengthening diplomatic ties, and leaving a lasting legacy through the development of infrastructure and junior golf programs, which are at the heart of the Zimbabwe Golf Association’s vision for the future,” said Chikwana.
AGC president Johnson Omolo thanked ZGA for having accepted to host the event in short noticed after the initial hosts, Mauritius pulled out due to natural disasters in that country.
“We are grateful to Zimbabwe Golf Association through AGC Vice President and President ZGA for hosting this prestigious event in our Golfing calendar. Golf is a uniting sport that offers great opportunities to make friends, network for business and compete for honours.
“Africa is United in Bulawayo Zimbabwe due to the warm hospitality that the natives have always extended to visitors. We have no doubt that this year’s event will be a great success and a champion shall emerge,” said Omolo.
Bulawayo Golf Club is an iconic venue in Zimbabwe as it is the oldest course in the country.
Club captain, Joshua Laper said it is an honour to be hosting such an event.
“It is a tremendous honour for me, as Captain of this historic club, to address you on this momentous occasion as we host the 16th All Africa Golf Team Championship (AAGTC). This is a proud moment not only for Bulawayo Golf Club but also for the city of Bulawayo and the entire nation of Zimbabwe,” said Laper.
The AAGTC is more than just a golf tournament, it is the pinnacle of amateur golf in Africa, showcasing the continent’s best golfing nations.
The significance of the AAGTC parallels that of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in football and the Rugby Africa Cup, as it fosters unity, competitive spirit, and pride among African nations.
The previous event was held in Egypt in 2022 with Morocco emerging as the winners, dethroning perennial winners South Africa.
Fans will not have to pay a dime to enjoy the golf as it is free of charge to everyone. Therefore, people have been encouraged to come in numbers and rally behind the sport and their team.
– @brandon_malvin
Online Reporter