Tanzanian quartet qualifies for East Africa golf tour

KENYA: FOUR Tanzanian golfers have earned their spots to represent the country at the KCB East Africa Golf Tour grand finale, set for December in Nairobi, Kenya.

Gabriel Severine led the pack with an impressive 43-point performance to top the leaderboard in the 18-hole stableford format tournament held over the weekend at the TPDF Lugalo Golf Club in Dar es Salaam.

He was closely followed by Likuli Juma (42 points) and Mzirai Mkumba (41 points). In the women’s category, Theresia Mombe clinched her place with a steady 38-point finish.

The tournament attracted 101 participants, including 36 juniors, reflecting the growing popularity and competitiveness of golf in Tanzania.

The Nairobi grand finale will feature champions from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania, with a top prize of 20m/- up for grabs. The stakes are high, and hopes are strong that Tanzania will make a powerful showing.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Gerson Msigwa, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, commended the winners and emphasised the government’s support for sports development. “ We count on you to represent Tanzania with pride in Kenya,” he said.

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“The government is committed to growing golf and is already working to establish modern sporting infrastructure in under served regions.”

Lugalo Golf Club was also praised for its role in developing golf talent. Club chairman Major General Wilbert Ibuge thanked KCB Bank for its continued support and for selecting Lugalo as a host venue.

“This partnership with KCB has been rewarding for our golfers and community,” said Ibuge.

He highlighted the club’s junior training programmes, stressing the importance of nurturing young talent for the future stars.

“Golf builds character and discipline. Investing in youth will ensure Tanzania has a strong future in the sport.”

KCB Group Treasurer Anthony Mulisa reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting sports in East Africa, noting KCB’s investment of nearly 54bn/- over the past 20 years in golf, rugby, football, motor sports, athletics, volleyball and chess.

“Our mission is to nurture talent and position East Africa as a sporting powerhouse,” said Mulisa.

He added that the 20m/- prize at the grand finale will go toward sustainability projects at the winning club. “We hope Tanzania brings the trophy home this year and leaves a lasting legacy for our golfing community.”