Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S junior golf prodigies, Munesu Chimhini and Miriam Masiya, delivered a powerful statement at the Fourth African Youth Games in Angola.
They swept gold in both the boys’ and girls’ events with performances that left no doubt about their class.
Chimhini edged Namibia’s Sam Nel by two shots in a tightly-fought boys’ contest.
Masiya produced a dominant display in the girls’ championship, finishing a staggering 17 shots clear of Kenya’s Belinda Wanjiru.
Chimhini’s path to gold was built on patience and nerve.
He opened with a level par 72 to sit just one shot off the pace behind joint leaders Nel and Nigeria’s Destiny Oyero, who both carded 71s. A second round 74 kept him in touch but still chasing.
The youngster saved his best for last.
Chimhini surged through the field with a superb closing three under par 69 to finish on one-under par 215.
It was the best round of the tournament and the only sub-70 score recorded across the field. Masiya’s victory followed a very different script. The Zimbabwean star was in control from start to finish, sealing a wire-to-wire triumph with consistent, composed golf.
She opened with a one under-par 71, followed by a level par 72 in the second round.
She closed with another 71 to post a two under par 214 total.
Masiya was the only golfer to finish under par in the girls’ division, underlining her dominance as Wanjiru settled for second place on 15 over-par 231.
“This is indeed highly commendable, as it is also a testament that our junior golfers are a force to reckon with in the African continent as achieving such victory is no mean feat achievement.
“Going forward, we hope that they will continue to scale high and achieve more for themselves and make the nation proud.
“Once again, congratulations, Team Zimbabwe and thank you for being good, Ambassadors,” wrote the Zimbabwe Golf Association (ZGA).
Team Zimbabwe was accompanied in Angola by coach Simon Murungweni.
Mathew Masinge