Uganda’s junior golf team remains hopeful despite a tough start at the Africa Region VI Junior Team Championship at the Tamarina Golf and Spa Resort in Mauritius.
The tournament features six nations;Mauritius, Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, Réunion, and Uganda and focuses on developing young talent through international competition.
Uganda struggled on the opening day. Shaka Kariisa Ndyabahika shot an 85, while Banza Matsiko Gershom finished with an 87.
“I didn’t play well,” said Matsiko. “But I hope to improve tomorrow.”
Kariisa was more direct: “We didn’t play well today, but tomorrow we’re going hard.” He tees off at 9:10 a.m. in the final group, while Matsiko plays in the second-to-last.
Keisha Wiltsire Kagoro (86) and Elizabeth Danelle Dlexik Kawalya (87) rounded out Uganda’s scores.
The team total is based on the top three scores; Kariisa, Kagoro, and Matsiko putting Uganda in fourth place. Réunion leads at +10, followed by Kenya (+17) and hosts Mauritius (+27).
Coach Flavia Namakula believes the team can recover.
“It was a tough day, especially with tricky pin positions, but I know they can do better. We lacked a bit of mental toughness today,” she said.
With two rounds left, Uganda is focused on climbing the leaderboard and gaining experience.
The Uganda Golf Union continues to emphasize development and long-term growth over short-term results.
