Yousuf bounces back at ZPGA

Takudzwa Chitsiga

Sports Reporter

SEASONED professional golfer Akil Yousuf is set to return to the helm of the Zimbabwe Professional Golfers Association for the second time after he was elected president at the annual general meeting held at Chapman Golf Club recently.

The seasoned player and administrator took over the hot seat from Simon Chigorimbo, who resigned together with all the members of his executive at the same meeting.

Yousuf is set to return just a few years after he held the same position.

The Royal Harare-based top professional was given the greenlight to lead the association which has been struggling to bring sponsors on board.

Yousuf’s immediate task will be re-engagement with corporate partners to help local golf develop.

“I am so delighted that the members have given me another opportunity to lead them and I hope we will continue to work well.

“There is some hope that sponsors can be brought on board and I think as golfers we can take advantage of that and engage more corporates.

“Partnerships with corporations are good for professional players as they remain competitive.

“We would like to see our players competing in international tournaments and I am going to advocate for that. We have a lot of talent and it is my wish to see the players compete in international tournaments,” said Yousuf.

The seasoned golf administrator also hailed the new members who have come on board and believes they will take the sport to another level.

“We are grateful that the outgoing committee did a splendid job and we will have somewhere to start from. The meeting went on well and there are new faces coming on board and that we commend.

“We have Davison Elijah coming on as the vice-president and the treasurer, while Claire Minter comes in as the secretary general.

“The committee members include Simon Katembenuka, Clifford Sibanda, Nyasha Muyambo and Mahomed Mandhu,” said Yousuf.