Ugandan golfers out to shine in E.A. challenge

East Africa Challenge (from Thursday until Sunday)

By Michael Nsubuga

ENTEBBE - Captain Phillip Kasozi believes Uganda national golf team is in fi ne form to win the East African Golf Challenge that starts today at Entebbe Club.

Kasozi who looked relaxed yesterday at the Club said everyone in camp was fine and set for tee off.

“We are at home and have been together for the past three years. We have prepared well and I want to assure Ugandans and golfers in particular that we will win the tournament,” Kasozi said.

For 18-year old Ronald Otile, another member of team Uganda, other countries are just coming to participate because Uganda has to win the tournament.

“We have to win here whatever it takes. We have worked hard, prepared well and we believe in ourselves,” Otile remarked as he prepared for a casual round with team mates.
 

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Willy Kitatta during the Dasani Series Golf qualifiers at Entebbe last year. PHOTO/Michael Nsubuga

The Burundi team led by Ken Lukongodo and Pro John Kisia were the first to arrive on Sunday followed by Ethiopia and Rwanda on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively.

They immediately hit the course to have a feel of the conditions. Kenya and Tanzania arrived last evening just in time for the official practice round and a flag raising ceremony today in the evening thereafter.

The team event then swings in action with a singles round on Friday before the foursomes and the four-ball-better-ball rounds on Saturday and Sunday.

The East African Challenge will be contested for by six countries that include Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda and Ethiopia.

Each country will be represented by nine players.

Last year, Uganda dominated proceedings for three days before losing out to Kenya by half a point at the Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort in Naivasha.

Team Uganda: Phillip Kasozi (HC+2), Adolf Muhumuza (HC+2), Ronald Otile (HC+2), Peter Ssendawula (HC+1), Henry Lujja, Robert Oluba, Ronald Rugumayo, Ronnie Bukenya, Happy Robert (Scratch), Morris Ongwech (manager) and Robert Kamya (coach).