Tanzania golfers start search for silverware in Africa event

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania's top golfers have said nothing will stop them from doing their best in the 2024 Africa Amateur Championship, scheduled to tee off today at the Leopard Creek Country Club in South Africa.

The golfers are Isiaka Daudi and Ally Mcharo, who will compete in the men’s category, while Madina Iddi and Vicky Elias in the women’s.

Speaking with The Citizen yesterday, Iddi said since they arrived in South Africa the climate there had been friendly and had the good training of two days.

She admitted that they are going to face a tough challenge from other competitors, who, she said, will also be targeting silverware like them.

“We have acclimatized and trained to experience the modern golf course and we are now waiting for the event. We call upon all Tanzanians to give us moral support,” said Iddi.

The four-day championship is expected to be most thrilling because it features top golfers from across the African continent.

For her part, Elias said she is in high morale to do her best in the competition.

Elias, who is currently ranked at the top in the country, said she is not scared by golfers with big names in the competition.

“It is going to be the toughest one, but we will also be competing on the same course and Tanzanians are not underdogs, our aim is to make the country proud,” said Elias.

The selection of the four golfers was based on both their merits and their positions in the World Amateur Golf Rankings, reflecting their outstanding talent and commitment to the sport.

To feature in the championship, Daudi and Mcharo competed against 140 golfers and managed to sail through among shortlisted 72 challengers.

Among the competing nations, Kenya and Morocco stand out with a significant presence, each fielding eight golfers.

Kenya’s representatives include Adel Balala, Elvis Muigua Gatuhi, Mikael Kihara, John Lejirma, Dennis Maara, Sammy Mulama, Ebill Omollo, and Michael Karanga Warigia.