Tanzania Junior Open makes strong debut in Morogoro

MOROGORO: THE inaugural Tanzania Junior Open 2026 has ended on a high note, with 105 young athletes gathering in Morogoro for two days of competitive golf and tennis, celebrating emerging sporting talent from across Tanzania.

Held on September 5–6, 2026 at Morogoro Gymkhana Club, the event brought together junior players representing clubs from different parts of the country under the theme of nurturing young talent and building brighter futures through sport.

Organiser Morogoro Gymkhana Club Vice-Chairperson Jacqueline McCormick, who collaborated with Tanzania Golf Union (TGU) and Tanzania Tennis Association (TTA), described the first edition as a resounding success, thanking the young competitors for their enthusiasm, determination and sportsmanship.

“What a fantastic first Tanzania Junior Open! A huge thank you to the 105 young players who joined us in Morogoro for two days of Golf and Tennis,” she said.

Tennis produces new junior champions

The tennis competition featured fiercely contested junior categories, with several young players emerging as champions. In the Under-14 Boys, Daniel Kilian of Makongo Tennis Club claimed the winner’s position.

Eagan Dzidornu of Azura Tennis Club finished first runner-up, while Zion Thomas, also of Azura Tennis Club, took second runner-up.

The Under-16 Girls title went to Janet Massawe of Arusha Gymkhana Club. She was followed by Hadija Mfinanga as first runner-up and Sumaiya Hassan of Makongo Tennis Club as second runner-up.

In the Under-18 Boys, Ethan Dzidornu of Azura Tennis Club emerged champion. Ally Rajab of Arusha Meru Clay Tennis Club finished first runner-up, with Elia Tarimo, also of Arusha Meru Clay, taking second runner-up.

The results highlighted the depth of junior tennis talent developing across the country.

Golf champions crowned The golf competition was equally competitive, producing impressive performances across gross, nett and subsidiary categories.

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In the Boys Gross competition, Julius James of TPDF Lugalo Golf Club was crowned overall winner with a score of 151, ahead of Ibrahim Juma, who finished first runner-up on 153.

Elik Pascal of Morogoro Gymkhana Golf Club placed second runner-up with 154.

The Boys Nett title went to Zakaria Kiyaulilo of Mufindi Golf Club, with a score of 113, while Thomasi Gonza, also of Mufindi Golf Club, was runner-up on 123.

Other boys’ awards went to Kingsley Li of Dar Gymkhana Club for Longest Drive and Ramadhani Omary of Morogoro Gymkhana Club for Nearest to Pin.

In the Girls Gross category, Teresia James of TPDF Lugalo Golf Club emerged overall winner with 141, followed by Christina Eliud on 162 and Vicky Li of Dar Gymkhana Club on 165.

Lissa Hawad of TPDF Lugalo Golf Club won the Girls Nett competition with 142, while Anjella E Nmko of Kilimanjaro Golf Club finished runner-up on 144.

Teresia James also collected the Girls Longest Drive and Girls Nearest to Pin awards.

The nine-hole competition saw Adili Lumwesa of Mufindi Golf Club take first place with a gross score of 143.

Nasri Abeid of TPDF Lugalo was second, also on 143, while Jackson Vicent of Morogoro Gymkhana Golf Club finished third with 144.

Building a pipeline for Tanzania’s sporting future The tournament brought together young players from golf and tennis clubs including Dar Gymkhana Club, Kilimanjaro Golf Club, Morogoro Gymkhana Golf Club, Mufindi Golf Club, TPC Moshi Golf Club, TPDF Lugalo Golf Club, Arusha Gymkhana Club, Arusha Meru Clay Tennis Club, Azura Tennis Club, Makongo Tennis Club, Maisara Tennis Club ZNZ and Morogoro Gymkhana Tennis Club.

Beyond the medals and trophies, the organisers said the tournament was designed to promote skill, sportsmanship, friendship and a brighter tomorrow.

McCormick extended her appreciation to everyone involved in staging the first edition, including players, coaches, clubs, sporting bodies, parents, volunteers, officials, sponsors and partners.

The championship has received support from several partners, including the R&A, Pepsi, Vodacom, NCBA, Mkwawa Pure Drinking Water, Habari Wifi, Mosi Mobile Health Services, Tanzania Golf Union (TGU), Tanzania Ladies Golf Union (TLGU) and Tanzania Tennis Association (TTA).

“Our sincere thanks to all the players, coaches, clubs, sporting bodies, parents, volunteers, officials, sponsors and partners who helped make the inaugural event possible,” she said.

She also congratulated all the winners while recognising every junior who took part in the competition.

The successful debut of the Tanzania Junior Open provides a promising platform for the continued development of junior golf and tennis in Tanzania, allowing young athletes to compete, learn and build friendships while gaining valuable experience.