. Musenge

By FELIX MALUNGA At Nkana Golf Club –
GOVERNMENT has paid tribute to the Zambian golf administrators for their efforts in popularising the sport through the staging of several international events.
Speaking when he officiated during the official flag-raising ceremony for the inaugural Africa Golf Confederation (AGC) President’s Cup in Kitwe on Monday evening, Copperbelt Minister, Mwenya Musenge said golf in Zambia was developing at a fast rate because of the dedication of local administrators.
Musenge said Zambia had witnessed the hosting of several international golf events on local soil in recent times and that this would help in growing the sport through identifying untapped talent.
He said Zambian administrators with the help from the corporate world had worked hard to raise even the standards of golf courses across the nation to international levels.
The Minister, however, regretted that only eight countries were taking part in the AGC President’s Cup which ends on Friday.
Musenge noted that probably some countries could not turn up, fearing that the continent was not safe because of the Ebola epidemic which has ravaged mostly West African countries.
He saluted Nigerian golfers for coming to Zambia, saying their action would prove to the world that Africa was a safe continent.
AGC president, Joe Malanji said the continental governing body appreciated the Zambian Government support to golf development.
Malanji, who is the immediate-past Zambia Golf Union (ZGU) president, also challenged all participation nations to be the best ambassadors for their respective countries by being disciplined and also performing to the best of the abilities.
ZGU president, Charles Mwanza thanked all countries that sent their golfers to the first-ever AGC President’s Cup and also paid tribute to Nkana Golf Club for sacrifice made to host the tournament.
Mwanza said ZGU was happy that the first AGC President’s Cup was being held in Zambia and hoped the local players would emerge winners.
Nkana Golf Club captain, Elario Musonda said the club was excited to be granted a chance of staging the event and paid tribute to Malanji, who is the club’s life member, for the gesture.
AGC secretary general, Hugh Mortimer said once he was elected president in October last year, Malanji promised to host the AGC President’s Cup and that the continental body was happy to see the event being staged.
The 2014 AGC President’s Cup which teed off yesterday is being contested by hosts Zambia, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Namibia, Nigeria and Zimbabwe.