adminTakudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
FORMER national amateur team captain Christian Mbanga and Clive Nguru have taken their golf to another level after they turned professional last week. The duo has now gone through the mill, having started as juniors and then moved to the amateur ranks. They became the latest crop to graduate into the professional ranks this season.
Nguru, who is based at Chapman Golf Club, is hopeful that he will make his presence felt in the professional ranks.
Mbanga has since relocated to South Africa.
Several amateurs have been taking the big step into the professional ranks.
They seem to have been inspired by Dale Howie, who after captaining the national amateur team, went on to make waves when he turned professional.
Howie turned pro in 2011 together with Nyasha Muyambo and Roger Jack who have also done well on the circuit.
The following year, Munashe Madhodha and Emanuel Hungwe also turned pro, while Bernard Magaso followed them in 2013.
This year Biggy Chibvuri, Mbanga and Nguru have joined the big boys’ club.
Clive Nguru (Senior), who is also a professional golfer, believes his son made the right decision and is confident he will make it.
“I think he has done something good as everyone needs to grow in any sport,” said Clive.
“He is a good player and he was lacking competition in the amateur ranks so I believe he was ripe for the big stage.
“His intention is to take part in more South African tournaments and perfect his skills.
“I think he has got the talent which can take him far if he works hard.”
In the Mopani Copper Mines Zambia Open currently underway at Nkana Golf Club, the local professionals have found the going tough once again, with most of them failing to go beyond the second round.
Online Reporter