Zim golf to field strong team for African championships
Zimbabwe Golf has promised to field a strong team for the All-africa Golf Championships that will be hosted in Bulawayo in October. The country will host the tournament, which they last hosted in 2017, after Seychelles, who were scheduled to stage it this year pulled out due to incapacitation.
ZGA says it is mobilising resources toward the hosting of this event in the City of Kings and Queens from October 27 to November 2.
Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, Mozambique, Sierra Leon, Gabon, South Africa, and hosts Zimbabwe have confirmed their participation but the list could swell with Uganda, Tunisia, Eswathini, Tanzania, Morocco, Seychelles, Mauritius and Malawi expected to come through.
Zimbabwe finished fifth in the previous edition which was held two years ago in Egypt, which was won by Morocco.
The organisers are currently mobilizing resources and are inviting private companies to sponsor the event which they say would showcase the country.
“This presents a unique opportunity for corporates to expand their brand presence across African diaspora, aligning with their aspirations for growth and expansion in the 21st century. Further announcements regarding sponsorship and partnership opportunities will be made in due course,” said ZG administrator Tirivashe Nheweyembwa.
Zimbabwe lasted hosted the team championship in 2017 at Elephant Hills Golf Course in Victoria Falls and Nheweyembwa said they will field the strongest team available.
ZG have been keen to put their best foot forward for the event.
“This year, we have taken the responsibility at the last minute because the event was supposed to be hosted by Seychelles, but unfortunately, Seychelles experienced some disruptive weather and we were asked to pick up the baton. We are truly honoured to host this event,” ZG president Martin Chikwanha said at a press conference to announce the hosting held at Royal Harare last month.
“For us, it’s not only an opportunity to host a continental event of such magnitude, but also to showcase what our country is all about. This championship is not just about competition, but also about nurturing the next generation of golfers through various developmental programmes and initiatives that aim to uncover and cultivate young talent across Africa. He said the decision to host the event in Bulawayo should not be taken lightly.
“This is a calculated, well-thought through desire not only to showcase diversity in the country, but a conscious appreciation of Bulawayo and its cultural heritage.
“Bulawayo is the oldest golf club in the country having been established in November 1895. It is fitting that such a historic venue will host the event that brings together almost 20 countries,” Chikwanha added.
Chikwanha made a passionate plea for the corporate world to come forward and support the continental event.
The 16th edition of the AAGTC is set to attract top amateur golfers from across the continent.