By JIM FIKOLOMA –
UPCOMING Chilanga golfer, Aaron Simfukwe junior won the Mazabuka Golf Open after carding an unmatched 153 points after 36 holes at the tournament watched by South African coaching experts.
An ecstatic Simfukwe, who was presented with the Zambia Sugar sponsored tournament trophy, said it was a dream come true after unsuccessfully chasing the title for the past four years.
Simfukwe had the second round to thank for the title as he put up a blistering performance to cover for the less than perfect first round in which he trailed defending champion Dezzy Ng’andu by a stroke.
“I was a bit nervous in the first eighteen but I am happy that I worked hard to come back and command the lead in second round. I am excited that I have added my name to the list of the winners of the Mazabuka Open Golf Championship.
“I feel really good that I have finally bagged the title which has eluded me in the last four years,” he said.
Kabwe golfer Denmark Mulambo finished in distant second with 156 points, three off the winner and needed a count back to get the better of Charlie Butts who settled for the third slot while dethroned champion Ng’andu was fourth with 157.
For the sectional awards, Mazabuka golfers dominated the show with Felix Mwiinga winning the A-Division category on 157 gross while Ngandu consoled himself with the runner up after losing a count back.
Malambo Mweemba was winner in the B-Division on 132, relegating town mate, Raymond Mapu into second position on 133.
Meanwhile, GWEN CHIPASULA reports that the Zambia Ladies Golf Union (ZLGU) managed to send a four member team to Kenya for the inaugural All Africa Junior Girls Golf Challenge that tees off today despite facing a K30,000 deficit.
ZLGU president Moono Mwila said in an interview yesterday that the association managed to raise K42,600 from the K72,600 but that the Sports Council of Zambia pledged to assist with K29,000 when the team returns.
Tina Nawa, Jahaanvie Walia, Serah Zulu and Tavengwa Mwango are the four golfers and were accompanied by coach Melissa Nawa and Mwila.
“At least Lusaka Golf Club has helped us with two air tickets for the two juniors, otherwise we are just travelling by God’s grace because the money is not even enough. It’s really been really hard and I hope all goes well by the end of the day,” she said.