By FELIX MALUNGA –

A CACTUS Liquor team on Sunday carded 98 points to win the inaugural Kwilimuna Traditional Ceremony fundraising golf tournament held in Ndola.
The Cactus team, which consisted of George Machila, Steve Mateyo, Phil Munsaka and Derrys Tongwaa, was a point better than a Chilengwe and Company team.
Africa Golf Confederation (AGC) president Joe Malanji, Matipa Shichitamba, Mulenga Mpuku and sponsor, Dr Welani Chilengwe made up the Chilengwe and Company squad.
In third position on 93 points was a BBC One Collection team of Sports Council of Zambia (SCZ) vice-chairperson Emmanuel Katebe, Zambia Golf Union (ZGU) treasurer Major Humphrey Mutambo, Ndola Golf Club vice-captain, Chris Mtonga and William Sichilima.
Budding junior Kelvin Chibuye staved off a fierce challenge from other top golfers to pick the best prize in the individual stableford.
However, Chibuye needed a count back to relegate Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) committee member Pivoty Simwanza into second position following a tie on 36 points after 18 tough holes.
In third position was Andrew Moke who beat another top junior Charles Chibale on a count back after tying on 34 points. Dil Patel won a two-way count back over Ndola secretary, Actor Kaambwa to finish fifth after a tie on 30 points.
Former ZGU president Alex Mashano was seventh on 29 points, one better than former Zampost postmaster general, Paul Simfukwe, who edged out former Ndola captain, Greg Lubesha on a count back.
Veteran Godfrey Mbawala also picked up an individual award after shooting 27 points.
Newly-elected Ndola captain Clavel Nguluta, using his knowledge of the course, got the nearest to the pin accolade on number 17 while Chibuye had the longest shot on the 18th.
During prize-giving ceremony, Copperbelt permanent secretary Reverand Howard Sikwela said Government recognised the importance of preserving and promoting Zambia’s cultural heritage and tradition as it provides the nation with an identity and sense of belonging.
Sikwela, who was flanked by Sports permanent secretary Agnes Musunga, said the Kwilimuna Traditional Ceremony of the Lamba people of Chieftainess Malembe of Mpongwe had been celebrated since 2007.
He said the ceremony provided a platform for the traditional leader and her subjects to highlight their achievements in the promotion of sustainable rural development and promotion of girl-child education.
The golf tournament was meant to raise about K30, 000 which will be used towards the preparations for the traditional ceremony set for July 25.
Several pledges were made towards the ceremony from the dignitaries in attendance at Ndola Golf Club.