Junior golfers in Kenya

TEAM ON A MISSION . . . The Zimbabwe team (front row, from left) Simon Murungweni, Danielle Banda, Nommater Chikutwe, Margaret Nyamukondiwa,Danielle Bekker and Rhoda Muridzo and (back row, from left) Bekhithemba Ndlovu, Tarisiro Fundira, Justin Kerste, Tafadzwa Nyamukondiwa, Kieran Vincent and David Amm pose for a group photo before they left for Kenya

Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
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 and below. The event was first held here in 2013 at the Elephant Hills in Victoria Falls with the hosts emerging triumphant.

ZJGU president, Themba Sibanda, believes they have a good side that can challenge for honours.

“We have a team I believe will do the job for us and I am happy that the girls’ team is taking part in the event for the first time,” said Sibanda.

“We have players who have represented the country of late and some it is their first time so I believe the experience they are going to get from there is important.

“We have been there before and managed to win the tournament and so we are 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 while Simon Murungweni is the 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, the team is good and we have been practicing 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 are going to face,” said Muridzo.

The girls’ team has Danielle Bekker, Margaret Nyamukondiwa, Danielle Banda and Nommater Chikutwe.