Morocco’s AACT results wake-up call for Tanzania

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzanian ladies’ golf team demonstrated remarkable determination to secure fifth place at the 2024 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) held at Tazegzout Golf Club in Agadir, Morocco two weeks ago.

Competing against 20 nations in the three-day, 54-hole tournament, Tanzania narrowly missed out on fourth place by just one stroke behind Uganda (475) and trailed Kenya (439), who finished third.

This marked a slight dip in performance compared to their impressive third-place finish at the 2022 AACT in Dar es Salaam, but all not for the team rather the country support and investment on the team.

The experienced team, led by Captain Hawa Wanyeche, alongside Neema Olomi and Madina Iddi, entered the competition as reigning East and Central All Africa Challenge Trophy champions from 2023 showdown held in Kigali, Rwanda.

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Despite their strong regional pedigree, the players faced challenges adapting to the demanding conditions of the Agadir course, characterised by coastal winds and hilly terrain.

These conditions exposed Tanzania’s lack of preparation due to limited access to advanced golf infrastructure back home.

According to Tanzania Ladies Golf Union (TLGU) President, Queen Siraki, the team’s struggle highlights the urgent need for improved facilities.

Tanzania currently has only ten golf courses, but most fall short of modern challenging levels seen internationally.

Neighbouring Uganda for example, Siraki noted, have at least 18 standard courses, showcases the importance of infrastructure in building competitive teams.

However, among the standout performers, Neema Olomi finished 7th individually out of 59 players, scoring 236 strokes over three rounds of 54 holes, while teammates Madina Iddi (241) and Hawa Wanyeche (250) secured 14th and 17th positions, respectively.

Morocco’s rising star, 15-year-old Sofia Cherif Essakali, dominated the individual category with an impressive 204 (-12) to help her country, securing first-ever AACT title.

South African players Kesha Louw (210) and Lisa Coetzer (217) rounded out the individual prize podium. Tanzania regional rival teams performed strongly, with Kenya and Uganda overtaking Tanzania to secure 3rd and 4th places this time around for the first time in recent years.

This reflects the growing competitiveness within the region but also serves as a wake-up call for Tanzania to reclaim its dominance.

Siraki emphasised the importance of investing in modern golf infrastructure and junior talent development programme going forward. This is what is seen done by Kenya and Uganda recently and no wonder we have seen tremendous success for them in Morocco event, nurturing talented players and proper preparation play big role.

Tanzania should also shift in strategy to better prepare players for high-level tournaments and to support the current national team, whose dedication remains unmatched despite limited resources.

Tanzania ladies golf team for years have been doing tremendously well, it’s about time the country recognised and invest on them so that can inherit their success to coming generation.

They are very good players who have everything to conquer at the international assignments only missing is proper support during preparation and competitions.

Lack of adequate funding and preparation has hindered Tanzania from consistently achieving top results in Africa.

However, the 16th AACT edition was historic, with Morocco breaking South Africa’s dominance, becoming the first team since Egypt in 2006 to win the biannual tournament.

Morocco’s win with total 425 (-7) strokes over South Africa’s 427 (-5) underscores the growing competitiveness of African women’s golf.

For Tanzania, the event served as both a challenge and an opportunity to reflect on the need for sustained investment.

The 2022 3rd-place finish with 455 points remains a testament to the team’s potential. Consistent support in training, infrastructure, facilities and competitive exposure local and internationally is crucial for progress.

Tanzania ladies’ golf team has proven its resilience and potential, even in challenging circumstances, to return to the top five is statement that they are still there to challenge for the title.

Now it is time to stakeholders prioritise investment in modern infrastructure, junior player development and better support systems for the national team. With these changes, Tanzania can not only reclaim its position among Africa’s best but also inspire a new generation of golfers.