By FELIX MALUNGA –

BUSINESS executive Garry Rutherford on Thursday night swept into the top seat at Ndola Golf Club when he was elected captain after trouncing his only opponent Chris Mtonga during the annual general meeting.
Rutherford returns to the captaincy of the club, 11 years after vacating the seat which he is now taking over from Zambia Golf Union (ZGU) treasurer, Humphrey Mutambo.
After twice losing his bid to lead Ndola, there was no mistake this time for Rutherford, who was captain from 2002 to 2003, as he got a massive vote over Mtonga to take charge of the club again.
The elections which were presided by former ZGU president, Alex Mashano and ex-Ndola president, Ron Bouverie, also saw First Quantum Minerals’ Andries Scott retaining the presidency unopposed.
Former Zambia Rugby Union (ZGU) vice-president, Clavel Nguluta won a hotly contested race for vice-captain after beating outgoing club secretary Actor Kaambwa.
Colonel Edmond Miti went through unopposed as secretary just like Brian Shone also got the post of treasurer without a vote cast.
Due to apathy, Ian Robinson was the only one elected committee member and now the Rutherford-led team need to fill the casual vacancies in the executive.
In his acceptance speech, Rutherford thanked the members for the confidence bestowed on him and his executive and promised to deliver to their expectations.
He said his mission would be to jack up the standards of facilities at the club by attracting the corporate world to Ndola.
Rutherford said having seen massive improvements at Nchanga Golf Club in Chingola and Nkana in Kitwe through the involvement of the business community, time was now ripe for Ndola to have a share of such goodwill.
He said his other goal was increase membership at the club and create a conducive environment where people would be proud to be part of Ndola.
Rutheford also appealed to firms with aggressive advertisement campaigns to consider adopting some holes on the golf course and in return enjoy the corporate package on offer.
Mutambo thanked the Ndola general membership for according him and his executive a chance to preside over the affairs of the club for 12 months.