TZ golfers set to outshine Kenyans today

Dar es Salaam. After days of preparations, the stage is now set for the 2017 Tanzania Open, which tees off today at the Kili Golf and Wildlife Resort Club course in Arusha.

Tanzanian golfers will be seeking to end Kenyan dominion in the three-day tournament, which has attracted elite players from various countries around the continent, including Zimbabwe and Kenya.

Isack Wanyeche, Victor Joseph, Seif Mcharo, Amani Said, Aidan Nziku and Richard Mtweve are among top golfers Tanzanians bank on for top honours in the tournament.

In separate interviews with The Citizen yesterday, the players said they won’t let down Tanzania this time around.

They said they will fight tooth and nail to ensure they don’t let down the minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Harrison Mwakyembe, who will grace the tee off today.

“We have trained intensively and extensively for this tournament with just one mission to ensure the trophy remains in Tanzania,” said Wanyeche during a training session in Arusha.

Joseph had similar views, adding that they won’t repeat last year’s blunder when they let Kenyan golfer win the diadem.

Other local golfers in the tournament are Babu Laizer, Vincent Gullo, Abbas Adam, Manraj Chadha, Elisha Fadhil and George Sembi.

Also on the list are Francis Julius, Jay Nathwani, Isaac Anania, Prabvir Singh and Noel Mheni, Richard Gomes, Travers Simon,Shuma Bob, Kermal Hussein and Chris Martin.

With over 250 golfers eyeing the trophy, golf enthusiasts in Arusha and neighbouring regions should expect a major treat this weekend.

Organised by Tanzania Golf Union (TGU) in collaboration with Kili Golf Club, the tournament will involve both professional and amateur golfers.

Tanzania Open organising committee official Saskia Rechsteiner said that over 200 golfers had arrived in Arusha as of yesterday ready for the showdown.