Golf: Uganda tackles Kenya in 2nd round of Zone V

Uganda takes on Kenya in the second round of the Zone V Africa Golf Championships after qualifying in 6^th place, following the first singles stroke-play round at the Nkana Golf Club in Zambia yesterday.

Fresh from representing Uganda at the Africa Junior Championship in Zimbabwe last month, youngster Denis Asaba produced the best score for team as the rest struggled.

Asaba's level 72 score was only bettered by South Africa's Marco Steyn and Swaziland's James Pennington who hit one under par 71 each, and only matched by Zimbabwe's David Amm.

Uganda will be playing against familiar foes in Alfred Nandwa, Edwin Mudanyi, John Karichu and Samuel Njoroge as they renew their rivalry against their neighbours'.

"First and foremost we want to win because we see no threat; the only challenge is getting around the course because it is tight with big bushes around though in good condition, so whoever hits the fairway will return good scores. We are looking to qualify as number one and still win the title," Mwanja had vowed on Tuesday.

But the results proved otherwise despite Uganda qualifying.

Daniel Baguma returned 81 gross, Ronald Otile 83 with team captain Becca Mwanja returning a non-counting 85, but Uganda qualified for the second round where they face Kenya in the foursomes and two singles matches in the second round.

Team manager John Katto was all praise for Asaba who is going to play the foursomes with Mwanja.

"Asaba played very well. 2 over front nine, 2 under back nine. The course is playing very tough. Its main feature is the tiny greens all around; very difficult to land and stay on. The rough is very high with thin fairways. But in very good shape," Katto remarked.

In other matches today, South Africa takes on Botswana, Zimbabwe entertain Swaziland as Zambia battle Namibia.

The other teams South Africa 2, Zambia 2, Zimbabwe 2, Angola 2 and Botswana will be fighting for the last five positions outside the main competition.

Round 1

South Africa

Marco Steyn 71

Kyle McClatchy 72

Luca Filippi 74

Christo Lamprecht 75

Zambia

Mwalikwa Sondashi 73

Aaron Simfukwe 74

Kelly Tembo 79

Mukuka Mwango 80

Zimbabwe

David Amm 72

Tonderati Masinga 79

Rasheed Mohammed 80

Bekithemba Ndlovu 81 

Uganda

Denis Asaba 72

Daniel Baguma 81

Ronald Otile 83

Becca Mwanja 85

Kenya

Samuel Njoroge 75

Alfred Nandwa 77

Edwin Mudanyi 78

John Karichu 78

Botswana

Leroy Pearman 80

Dikgang Lemogang 83

Billy Anabwani 88

Clayton Shangare 90

Swaziland

James Pennington 71

Vusi Dlamini 80

Sifiso Vilane 81

Jabulane Mabaso 84

Namibia

Liki Nande 79

Walter Heibeb 83

Stefa Bonefatius 84

Dennis Heimbodi 88