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Takudzwa Chitsiga Harare Bureau
THE Zimbabwe junior golf team left the country yesterday to compete in the tri-nations and All-Africa Challenge in Mombasa, Kenya, carrying high hopes of returning with positive results.
The boys’ team will face hosts Kenya and Namibia in the tri-nations, a tournament for golfers aged 18 years and below.
The event was first held in 2013 at the Elephant Hills in Victoria Falls with the hosts emerging triumphant.
Zimbabwe Junior Golf Union president Themba Sibanda believes they have a good side that can challenge for honours.
“We’ve a team I believe will do the job for us and I’m happy that the girls’ team is taking part in the event for the first time,” said Sibanda.
“We’ve players who have represented the country of late and some for the first time and I believe the experience they’re going to get from there is important.
“We’ve been there before and managed to win the tournament and so we’re looking forward to continue from where we left.”
The boys’ team is made up of Kieran Vincent, David Amm, Justin Kersten, Bekithemba Ndlovu and Tafadzwa Nyamukondiwa with Simon Murungweni as coach.
Captain Vincent said he was happy to lead a team hungry for success.
“I learnt a lot from those who led me from the time I started to represent the country and I hope to do the same.
“There are a few new players but the team is good and we’ve been practising hard for the event,” said Vincent.
The inaugural edition of the girls’ All-Africa Challenge will see four countries taking part following the last-minute withdrawal of Egypt and Tunisia.
The hosts Kenya, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Nigeria are the only countries participating in the girls’ continental championship.
Rhoda Muridzo, the girls’ team coach, expects a positive result.
“The good thing is all the divisions are represented.
“Three of the girls have already represented the country and they know the level of competition they’re going to face,” said Muridzo.
The girls’ team comprises Danielle Bekker, Margaret Nyamukondiwa, Danielle Banda and Nomatter Chikutwe.
Online Reporter