-This will be the Inaugural ‘Shabana’ open Championship being played in three days over 54 holes with an impressive prize pool money share of Ksh. 500,000 where the champion is set to take home Ksh. 115,600.
MAARUFU MOHAMED-GOLFNEWSLINKS.
Some 62 Elite Amateurs pitch camp in Kisii County for the three days NCBA Kisii Open Golf Championship this weekend.
This inaugural ‘Shabana’ trophy is set to make its debut at the nine-hole par 70 Kisii sports club course in Kisii County from Friday 28th to Sunday March,2025 in a three days 54 holes’ inaugural action that promises to showcase top-tier golf talent and celebrate the rich sporting culture in Kisii.
The tournament organized by Kenya Golf Union (KGU) is among this year’s ongoing country wide Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) series schedule supported by NCBA Bank and boasts of an impressive prize pool of Ksh. 500,000 with the champion set to take home Ksh. 115,600.
This significant prize makes the tournament a highly sought-after competition on the amateur golf circuit and is also officially recognized as a World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) tournament, offering participants the chance to earn valuable ranking points, further elevating the event’s prestige and appeal.
The showdown tees off from 7am with the team flight of home player Isaac Mosigisi, Golf park’s Peter Macharia and Vetlab’s Ochieng Abekah.
National golf team Captain John Lejirma aias ‘Samburu’ one from Royal Nairobi club who was also the series’ last weekend’s Windsor Classic Champion is expected to battle with other top rivals that includes among others Ellly Barno from Nandi, Golf Park’s Josphat Rono, Elvis Muigua from Kiambu and Sammy Mulama from Golf park.
Lejirma said yesterday that this tournament will be his first time playing at Kisii but he is well prepared and looking forward to the challenge.
“I plan to have a practice round tomorrow to familiarize myself with the course conditions. Heading into the tournament my goal is to put in a solid performance and remain consistent throughout. As one of the amateurs in the field I see this as another great opportunity to test myself against strong competition gain more experience and hopefully contend for a good finish, “said Lejirma.
The tournament has also attracted Kenya’s four exceptional female golfers namely Mercy Nyanchama from Njoro golf club, Naomi Wafula from Vipingo Ridge, Elizabeth Mose, and Sharon Moraa, both from the home club.
Nyamchama said, ‘I am hoping to play my best since my swing right now is on form. I have played in Kisii once, a very long time ago in 2018 I am expecting the course to be in good condition.”
Wafula also pointed out that it will be her first time playing at the Kisii course and is so excited.
“My preparation has been focused on sharpening my short game and maintaining consistency off the tee, which will be key on Kisii’s challenging course. Going into the tournament, my expectation is to put up a strong performance and test myself against a competitive field. Playing as an amateur in such an event is always a great learning experience, and I’m looking forward to giving my best while enjoying the challenge, “noted Wafula.
Rwandans Felix Dusabe and Hitayezu Jean D’amour both from Kigali golf resort & villas course have also joined circle of the Kenyan Amateurs battling for top honors.
KGU Kisii regional representative Wycliff Ayienda explained yesterday that the name “Shabana” holds a special place in the hearts of the Kisii community and it originates from one of the town’s first and oldest hardware businesses, Shabana, founded by philanthropist Dogo Khan.
“Over the years, Khan has been a champion of community initiatives in Gusii, contributing to various projects that have left a lasting impact and in 1978, he sponsored the very first KGU event, the Shabana Open, a Foursomes format competition, which became a mainstay in the club’s history alongside the prestigious ‘Gethin Cup’,” Said Ayienda.
He pointed out that in 1982, Dogo Khan extended his passion for sports by founding Shabana FC, a football club that has become a household name and now competes in the Kenya Premier League and that the club, which enjoys one of the largest fan bases in Kenya, continues to benefit from Khan’s ongoing support and commitment to local sports development.
KGU Tournament Director and Vice Chairman Chris Kinuthia expressed his gratitude for NCBA’s sponsorship, highlighting the positive impact it has had on upcountry golf clubs and the ‘Golf Mashinani’ initiative.
“This sponsorship has allowed clubs in rural Kenya to benefit significantly, and it continues to promote the game of golf across the country. We are also deeply thankful to Kisii Sports Club for the tremendous effort they’ve put in to ensure that this event is now a permanent fixture on the KGU calendar,” said Kinuthia.
As the NCBA Kisii Open Shabana Trophy begins this weekend, golf enthusiasts are in for an exciting and historic tournament that honors the legacy of Shabana and showcases the talent and spirit of Kenyan golfers.
Established in 1928, the Kenya Golf Union (KGU) is Kenya’s oldest continuous sports organization and affiliated with the Ministry of Sports & Culture, the Royal & Ancient, and the International Golf Federation.
KGU serves as the governing body for golf in Kenya, uniting 38 golf clubs and 2 golfing societies across the nation and the Union’s core objectives encompass the advancement, promotion, and protection of golfing interests within Kenya.
NCBA Group is a full-service banking group providing a broad range of financial products and services to corporate, institutional, SME, and consumer banking customers.
NCBA Group operates a network of more than 100 branches in five countries including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Ivory Coast. Serving over 60 million customers, the NCBA Group is the largest banking group in Africa by customer numbers.
NCBA Bank Kenya PLC is Kenya’s third-largest bank by assets and the Bank is set to play a key role in supporting Africa’s economic ambitions.
The Bank is a market leader in Corporate Banking, Asset Finance, and Digital Banking.
ENDS.
KENYA CLUBS WEEKEND DRAW.
KITALE GOLF CLUB.
Saturday,29th, March,2025.
Kenya Seed Classic 2025.
Sponsored by-Kenya Seed Company.
First Tee AM.
8:00 E.Ekwom, R.Kinyua, C.Makela, E.Nandutu; 8:10 P.Shah, T.Kimtai, R.Kae, E.Masai; 8:20 M.Arusie, H. Maina, C.Mutai, P.Kisuna; 8:30 A.Birir, E.Chessum, M.Mucheru, M.Njuguna; 8:40 T.Rutto, Dr.L.Waliaula, M.Ngetich, M.Waithera; 8:50 P.Kusimba, Maj.R.Simiyu, Dr.A.Shitseswa, P.Chumo 9:00 M.Fernandes, K. Matonya, D.Saisi, A.Mbarwa; 9:10 Ano, Ano, Ano, Ano; 9:20 J.Chege, B.Sugut, G.Maiyo, B.Goko; 9:30 Dr.S.Njenga, E.Kimeres, A.Babuh, S.Bunge jnr.
First Tee PM.
10:00 E.Rutto, J.Oketch, B.Cheruiyot, K.Tuwei; 10:10 J.Akhonya, P.Tomno, L.Jebichii, F.Chemutai; 10:20 A.Cheruiyot, M.Kotu, Dr.M.Kituyi, H.Barno; 10:30 I.Kae, S.Bolo, E.Omonya; 10:40 E.Mbakaya Jr, V.(Jnr) Chege, D.Kipsaita, D.Masindano; 10:50 Ano, Ano, Ano, Ano.
Tenth Tee AM.
8:00 N.Fernandes, I.Brooker, V.Otieno, L.Ngina; 8:10 A.Muhando, J.Mukhanji, R.Rono, Z.Mulaa; 8:20 G. Nasibi, J.Kisuna, T.Biwott, G.Mutai; 8:30 A.Cheruiyot, P.Kae, M.Wabuge, Dr.H.Yego; 8:40 K.Chandaria, E. Kirui, P.Shiharsy, P.Matonya; 8:50 P.Isese, J.Weche, A.Atieno, Ve.Njok;i 9:00 Ano, Ano, Ano, Ano; 9:10 E.Weche, H.Ikhokoro, L.Gitau, E.Jepchumba 9:20 O Ekes.J.Onuonga, J.Iseme, J.Chesang 9:30 H.Ndegwa,J. Acharo, J Thuo, J Njeri; 9:40 Dr. R Kiptum, A Kidiavai, E Cherop, C Chsire; 9:50 Z Tanui (Jnr), N Shah, W Misoi, Z.Jepchirchir; 10:00 J.B.Chemogos, C.Kebenei, E.Mbakaya, Ja.Ulira; 10:10 M.Chege, V.Rugut, R. Chebet, Ano; 10:20 L.Kaptoge, K.Lennix, J.Songwa, Ano; 10:30 P.Ndung’u, M.K.Rotich, J.Ngala, Ano; 10:40 Ano, Ano, Ano, Ano.
VETLAB SPORTS CLUB.
Saturday,29TH, March,2025.
Jajemelo Pizza golf tournament.
First Tee AM.
J.Odhiambo, C.Maranga, M.Chuma, B.Mabango 06:40 C.Ogolla, J.Chudasama, T.Shah, J.Munge 06:50 H. Zhonghui, F.Limo, E.Wakarima 07:00 M.Victor, I.Nyakwara, J.Ngugi, F.Kirui 07:10 A.Unia, M.Shah 07:20 J. Mwaura, J.Mureu, A.Njaaga, S.Mungai 07:30 P.Njuguna, C.Maitho, N.Okello, D.Muriuki 07:40 J.Kirui, D. Ooko, S.Orenge 07:50 V.Muthiani, H.Kamuti, D.Gicuru, F.Muthiani 08:00 K.Shah, P.Matu, K.Njoroge, C. Munyori 08:10 D.Muchungu, V.Oyango, J.Orenge, M.Makundi 08:20 R.Ndei, J.Kimani, F.Gichuru, W. Kiragu 08:30 A.Ladak, M.Kanyi, K.Mariga, B.Wamatu 08:40 A.Oluoch, M.Mwiti, N.Ong’alo, H.Kayange.
First Tee PM.
11:20 M.Kombo, K.Gretton, G.Warui, R.Shah 11:30 U.Raikundalia, S.Samani, H.Joshi, C.Jobanputra 11:40 S.Thakkar, R.Lakhani, D.Thakkar 11:50 J.Ouko, Reserved Team 12:00 J.Osoro, K.Okumu, W.Nadida, K. Ondieki 12:10 G.Waiganjo, A.Wangila, J.Wokabi, O.Plakalovic 12:20 C.Muguku, Reserved Team 12:30 F. Kimathi, S.Mugwe, H.Manyara, K.Waithaka 12:40 B.Shah, N.Nyoike, M.Gatundu, M.Kinuthia 12:50 S. Siyani, Reserved Team, M.Haria, J.Raithatha 13:00 E.Karuga, Reserved Team 13:10 H.Obino, I.Otuke (Pro), J.Mureithi, J.Barorot 13:20 M.Karobia, M.Githiaka, F.Wahome, G.Kingori 13:30 N.Ndiritu, S.Patel, J.Muchemi, M.Muruthi, S.Githinji.
Tenth Tee AM.
06:30 K.Reddy, S.Gadiraju, N.Kumar, V.Reddy 06:40 J.Washaya, B.Sang, J.Kagema, D.Ndenga 06:50 F. Gachangi, T.Miano, S.Chege, F.Omondi 07:00 V.Sonigra, V.Sharma, C.Parmar, N.Sudhir 07:10 S.Parmar, N.Solanki, E.Njunu, A.Shankla 07:20 P.Shah (Jnr), F.Muhanji, L.Asiligwa 07:30 C.Sanghrajka, Z.Huantai, J. Qi, X.(Ord2822), H.Xin 07:40 F.Nurani, J.Kosgei, S.Woo, C.Kim 07:50 E.Wachira, K.Muteria, E.Maritim 08:00 C.Ndegwa, S.Gichuru, S.Njenga 08:10 A.Thuku, F.Mugo, B.Ladu 08:20 C.Orenge, L.Ongori (Jnr), S. Shah (Jnr) 08:30 L.Asego 08:40 Reserved Team.
Tenth Tee PM.
11:20 P.Muiruri, L.Munyua, S.Kigera, C.Kamari 11:30 P.Githua, B.Ogutu, S.De Mello, L Migoye 11:40 G. Sehmi, A.Dhadialla, A.Sehmi, P.Sehmi (Jnr) 11:50 J.Mukua, G.Kabuuri, E.Wangui, E.Njoroge 12:00 T. Thanawalla, D.Mukabi, W.Kimondo, A.Kimondo 12:10 G.Mangat, R.Njuguna, M.Irungu, G.Njuguna 12:20 D.Nyakango, M.Nyakang’o 12:40 J.Ghaghda, P.Jani, L.Bakhshi, M.Aggarwal 12:50 M.Bector, H.D’souza, S. D’souza 13:00 T.Mwithiga.
ENDS.
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