GOLF: Can Uganda’s team regain glory in Rwanda?
GO: Uganda’s national golf team of four players and three officials have been flagged of today at UGC Kitante by Uganda Golf Union vice president Anthony Agaba. COURTESY PHOTOS
Team Uganda in buoyant mood ahead of Region IV tournament in Kigali, Rwanda
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Team Uganda captain Joseph Cwinya-ai is confident that the national team will do well at the upcoming Africa Region IV Championship, the fifth edition, to be hosted by the Rwanda Golf Union in association with the Africa Golf Confederation and the R&A. The event is scheduled from Friday 2 to Sunday 6 October at Kigali Golf Resort and Villas.
Speaking at a press conference at Uganda Golf Club on Monday morning, Cwinya-ai expressed confidence in his colleague’s abilities. “We believe that we have the experience and are in the right mental zone to compete and do well in Kigali,” the Toro-born golfer noted. “Our team is a combination of youth and some tried and tested golfers so we have the belief that we shall do well.”
Other members of the team are Ibrahim Ssemakula, Joseph Kasozi and Uganda Open champion Joseph Reagan Akena. The team will be coached by Flavia Namakula with Paul Habyarimana travelling along as the manager.
Flagging off the team, Uganda Golf Union vice president Anthony Agaba said that he saw no reason why the boys can’t emerge triumphant. “Our team has grown technically and mentally and if the boys play to the best of their abilities, which I believe they will, then we will have a chance to emerge top.”
Team captain Cwinya-ai confident
Africa is divided into five golf divisions with each region mandated to develop the game in their respective regions. Some of the countries in Region IV are Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.
The fourth edition was hosted by Ethiopia Golf Union at Addis Ababa Golf Club, where the Kenyan team emerged victorious.
Uganda last won this trophy in 2019 in Burundi where Cwinya-ai was team captain.
Namakula meanwhile sees Kenya as Uganda’s main rivals this weekend. “The Kenyans are familiar opponents who have a very vibrant calendar and experienced team, but we are ready for them physically and psychologically.”
After Kigali, the team will return to Uganda on October 7 to immediately begin preparations for the All-Africa Golf Team Championships due in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, Michael Karanga, John Lejirma, Elvis Muigua, and Adel Balala will represent Kenya at this year’s Africa Region IV Championship, reports mozzartsport.
Skipper Lejirma, who was part of the squad that won the trophy last year, beating rivals Uganda 12 over par 864 against the neighbours’ 886, has expressed confidence in the side’s abilities.
“Our preparations have been good and the team is in great shape and will bring the trophy home,” Lejirma told mozzartsport ahead of the team’s departure.
Lejirma goes to battle with a similar squad as last year’s trophy-winning quartet but for one, Dennis Maara. His place is taken by fourth-ranked Nyali Golf sensation, Balala, making a return to the team after missing out last year.
Uganda Golf Open results last month
JR Akena 73 73 71 70 | 287| +3
J Cwinyaai 72 73 73 70 | 288 | +4
T. Okwong 73 77 68 73 | 291| +7
Semakula 78 71 75 73 | 297 | +13
Tumusiime 74 74 75 75| 298 | +14
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SOURCE: UGU
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