Chronicle Editor
Brandon Moyo, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE junior national team coach, Simon Murungweni, who will be in charge of the team at the forthcoming 2024 All-Africa Golf Team Championship (AAGTC) is confident that his talented side will be able to fare well at the continental showdown.
Zimbabwe named a five-player team for the tournament which is scheduled for October 27 to November 2 at the country’s oldest golf club, Bulawayo Golf Club.
The five players who were tasked with flying the country’s flag high at the continent’s premier amateur golfing event are Tanaka Chatora, Vincent Chidambazina, Kelvin Muchenje, Keegan Shutt, and Michael Wallace.
With all the players boasting impressive records, Murungweni is confident that they can defy the odds and compete for the title. He believes that his players’ familiarity with the Bulawayo Golf Club course will play a massive role in driving them forward.
“I think every player we picked is very good. They are our champions. This is the strongest team we have fielded. They have won tournaments on that turf (Bulawayo Golf Club). Hopefully, we will be able to use that to our advantage. We are expecting a good show.
“With our players having played and won tournaments at Bulawayo Golf Club that would play a good role for us. The morale is high, and everyone is looking forward to the challenge,” said Murungweni.
The coach added that they are expecting a tough challenge as all the competing teams boast of talented players.
“This is going to be a tough competition even for perennial winners South Africa. All the teams that are coming down are good but we are not looking at them, we are just focused on us. It will be good to have the locals running behind the team, we are calling on everyone to come in numbers and see our talented players. It will also be good motivation for them, playing in front of their home crowd,” said Murungweni.
The AAGTC is the continent’s premier amateur golf event bringing together the best amateur golfers from 20 African nations. It is a biennial tournament.
Morocco are the defending champions having dethroned perennial winners South Africa in the previous edition held in Egypt in 2022.
Participating teams are expected to arrive in Zimbabwe on October 27 and the following day, there will be the official opening ceremony and the official practice round.
The championship’s first round is on October 29 and will stretch until November 1 for the fourth and final round where there will also be the prize presentation.
Competing teams are set to leave Bulawayo on November 2, marking the end of the tournament.
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.
Its significance 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.
Hosting the AAGTC is a mark of prestige for any nation, serving not just as a sporting event but also as a cultural and social celebration of Africa’s diverse heritage.
Apart from celebrating the nation’s rich cultural history while also showcasing Africa’s diverse heritage, the AAGTC will leave a lasting legacy.
The event will also highlight the special breed of participants — Africa’s emerging golf talent — who will pass through Bulawayo as they embark on their journey to professional golf careers.
The forthcoming event also offers a crucial platform for youngsters on the brink of stardom to gain exposure and experience at the highest amateur level.
As AAGTC 2024 draws nearer, the anticipation and excitement continue to build.
The event will attract officials from esteemed organisations such as the Africa Golf Confederation and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A), further amplifying its significance internationally.
Zimbabwe team for 2024 AAGTC:
Players: Tanaka Chatora, Vincent Chidambazina, Kelvin Muchenje, Keegan Shutt and Michael Wallace
Coach: Simon Murungweni
Manager: Munodawafa Mutupo.
– @brandon_malvin
Online Reporter