Uganda eager to claim honours against Kenya in the Victoria Cup

Experience will be key as the Uganda national golf team takes on Kenya in the seventh edition of the Victoria Cup at Mt. Kipipiri Golf Resort in Naivasha on March 20-21.

Trailing 5-1 in the two-nation championship, Uganda is banking on the expertise of captain Joseph Cwinyaai, Reagan Akena, and Titus Okwong—all of whom have competitive experience in Kenya—to guide younger talents like Elton Thembo, John Musiimenta, and Ibrahim Ssemakula, who are relatively new to the national team.

Newcomers Peter Mayende, Joseph Kakooza, Anthony Otukei, and Abdu Kakeeto will also look to lean on the wisdom of their senior teammates in what promises to be a fiercely contested clash. On paper, the contest appears evenly matched, as Kenya has also fielded an experienced squad, including five players who helped secure a draw against Uganda last year, resulting in an 11-11 stalemate that allowed Kenya to retain the trophy.

Kenya’s team is captained by John Lejirma, who, alongside Josphat Rono, Elvis Muigua, Krish Shah, and Ebill Omollo, played a pivotal role in denying Uganda victory in Kampala last year. They have bolstered their lineup with Daniel Kiragu, Tsevi Soni, Elly Barno, Raphael Leming’ani, and Kevin Anyien to maintain their dominance over Uganda.

The Match-Play competition begins with a round of foursomes in the morning, followed by a four-ball-better-ball round in the afternoon, totaling 16 matches on the first day. On Friday, all players from both sides will face off in the decisive singles matches, with each match worth one point.

The Victoria Cup, which began in 2016, saw Kenya win the first three editions before Uganda claimed victory on home soil in 2019. The tournament was paused in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed in 2022, with Kenya dominating Uganda 21-5 at Limuru Golf Club.

Uganda will be eager to turn the tide this year and reclaim the trophy in what is shaping up to be another thrilling chapter in this storied rivalry.