By FELIX MALUNGA –
CHIEF Referee for the 2014 All Africa Junior Golf Challenge, Tony Rocke arrived in Zambia yesterday for a final inspection of Chainama Hills Golf Club in Lusaka before start of the continental event next week.
Rocke, who has been assigned by the world governing body, Royal and Ancient of Saint Andrews in Scotland, was received at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka by Africa Golf Confederation president, Joe Malanji.
Chainama Hills president, Welani Chilengwe said Rocke, who is based in South Africa, would check on the club’s preparedness ahead of the arrival of participating countries today.
Zambia Golf Union (ZGU) honorary secretary, Kelly Munsaka said Rocke, who is also a course inspector, would work with tournament director, Aloysius Phiri on the course and other formalities for the championship.
Chilengwe said the golf course was in good condition and ready for the event but that Chainama would continue cutting the greens to ensure they could be as sleek as possible.
He said even the problematic 16th hole had been worked on and that the Thursday heavy downpour had no effect on the course.
Munsaka said 11 countries would be heading to Zambia this weekend in readiness for the All Africa Challenge.
The participating countries are defending champions, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, the Reunion, Mauritius, Tunisia, Namibia, Uganda, Malawi, Kenya, Swaziland and hosts, Zambia.
The ZGU honorary secretary said the Zambian team was shaping up well for the championship under the tutelage of local professional, Patrick Mwendapole.
Munsaka said ZGU was optimistic after strucking a historic bronze last year in Mauritius, Zambia could improve the showing this year.
The Zambian team has Peter Munyinya, Gabriel Chibale, Muvwanji Simukoko and Kelvin Chibuye while Charles Shalubobya is a reserve.
Munsaka also regretted that Zambia would miss the services of top junior, Mwape Mpundu, who broke his arm at the just-ended Africa Zone Six Championship in South Africa.
He said Mpundu had so far undergone surgery at Wusakile Mine Hospital in Kitwe and was discharged on Wednesday.
Phiri, who is also Zambia Junior Golf Association director, said doctors at Wusakile were impressed with Mpundu’s recovery process.