Uganda’s national golf team, led by captain Joseph Cwinya-ai, is brimming with confidence as they prepare to compete in the Africa Region IV Championship.
The fifth edition of the tournament will be hosted by the Rwanda Golf Union in association with the Africa Golf Confederation and the R&a at Kigali Golf Resort & Villas.
Speaking at a press conference at Uganda Golf Club on Monday morning, Cwinya-ai expressed confidence in his colleague’s abilities. “We believe that we have the experience and are in the right mental zone to compete and do well in Kigali,” the Toro-born golfer noted.
“Our team is a combination of youth and some tried and tested golfers so we have the belief that we shall do well,” he concluded.
Other members of the team are Ibrahim Ssemakula, Joseph Kasozi and Uganda Open champion Joseph Reagan Akena. The team will be coached by Flavia Namakula with Paul Habyarimana travelling along as the manager.
Uganda’s chances and the threat of Kenya
Flagging off the team, Uganda Golf Union vice president Anthony Agaba said that he saw no reason why the boys can’t emerge triumphant.
“Our team has grown technically and mentally and if the boys play to the best of their abilities, which I believe they will, then we will have a chance to emerge top.”
Africa is divided into five golf divisions with each region mandated to develop the game in their respective regions. Some of the countries in Region IV are Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.
The fourth edition was hosted by Ethiopia Golf Union at Addis Ababa Golf Club, where the Kenyan team emerged victorious.
Uganda last won this trophy in 2019 in Burundi where Cwinya-ai was team captain. Namakula meanwhile sees Kenya as Uganda’s main rivals this weekend.
“The Kenyans are familiar opponents who have a very vibrant calendar and experienced team, but we are ready for them physically and psychologically.”
After Kigali, the team will return to Uganda on October 7 to immediately begin preparations for the All-Africa Golf Team Championships due in Harare, Zimbabwe.
UGU COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
Courtesy Photos
