Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, [email protected]
SAKHILE Ndiweni had barely settled into her new role as president of the Matabeleland Ladies Golf Union when the daunting task of organising the Matabeleland Amateur Championship arose. Just four weeks into her tenure, she faced the challenge of ensuring the event’s success. Despite the immense pressure, Ndiweni and her team successfully staged the 2025 edition of the tournament at Bulawayo Country Club this past weekend.
Under considerable pressure, the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) accountant proved her leadership mettle. Ndiweni refused to buckle under pressure and delivered a flawless 2025 Matabeleland Amateur.
However, after the successful tournament, Ndiweni insisted that all credit belonged to her team who ensured everything ran smoothly. She emphasised that it was a community-driven event.
“I’m honoured to be in this position. It’s a significant responsibility, and as a leader, you must truly understand those you lead. It’s more about the people than yourself, and remembering that your actions in this role will outlive your title. So, stepping into this office, I was immediately thrown into the deep end, with a competition to organise in four weeks, correspondence with the SRC, and other pressing matters.
“However, with every challenge, you strive to overcome it. That was the mindset of the team I inherited, the captains from the various clubs in Matabeleland. Everyone was hands-on, making my work considerably easier, along with our corporate stakeholders. Individual contributions included chips and water.
“It was truly a community effort. It might appear that Sakhile and her team accomplished this, but when we sought assistance, people generously offered their support. That’s what made the tournament a success, and the team was instrumental in co-ordinating everything,” Ndiweni explained.
When the tournament teed off on Saturday morning, Ndiweni was not only the organising president but also a championship contender. Balancing playing and administration was demanding, but her determination remained unwavering. With a capable team supporting her, they managed to pull through.
Ndiweni played in the championship division to ensure that the juniors received their World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points.
“The juniors needed WAGR points for their ranking. A minimum of eight players was required in that division. Eight were registered, and I realised that if something happened, they might miss out. So, I decided to be the ninth. This was my first 54-hole tournament. I was the ninth player, and at the last minute, the day before the competition, one junior withdrew. Had I not entered, those juniors wouldn’t have received their WAGR points.
“So, I became the eighth player. I walked 36 holes on Saturday and 18 on Sunday, while managing the administration. Fortunately, with proper planning and delegation, everything came together smoothly. Yes, there were hiccups, but we handled them effectively. Planning, preparation, and having contingency plans are crucial.
Heather, my vice-president, was amazing. She was instrumental in coordinating everything. My past president, Acy Zerf, was also a great help,” Ndiweni said.
As the tournament concluded, Ndiweni became emotional, with her mother, aunt, and husband present to support her first tournament. She expressed her gratitude for their unwavering support.
“I am very aware of my roots. The perception is often that golf is for the wealthy and elite. But I am an ordinary woman, a civil servant. The support from Nust enables me to play. And my family, my mother — who raised nine children as a widow — was here. As this was my first tournament as Matabeleland Ladies Golf Union president, I wanted to honour her. I also invited my aunt to stand in for my late father.
“And my husband, my biggest supporter, was here. When I’m busy with golf, he takes care of our children, attends their school events, and so on. His support makes my life easier, and I am truly grateful,” an emotional Ndiweni said.
15-year-old Miriam Masiya won the tournament.
@brandon_malvin
