Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
MASHONALAND CENTRAL – FOOTGOLF continues to gain momentum in Zimbabwe, with the Second Edition of the Mashonaland Central Patron’s Foot Golf Tournament held this Sunday in Mvurwi drawing a larger and more diverse field of players.
Held at the Stone and Water Resort, the Africa Day commemorative tournament attracted 44 participants, up from 36 last year, including a participant from neighbouring Zambia, signalling the growing regional appeal of the sport.
“I am a foot golf player from Zambia and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed the tournament. It was exciting to be part of history in the making by playing at Zimbabwe’s first-ever foot golf course,” Zambian golfer, Jessica Changu Mbewe said.
“It was a good but challenging game. This is the first time I have received a prize, and I worked very hard for it, so I am very happy,” Mutoko District golfer, Confidence Chikanya said.
“The competition was stiff and unpredictable. As a national player from Masvingo, I was proud to earn a bronze medal in the senior men plus category,” Masvingo Province, golfer, Jacob Pasipamire said.
The event was spearheaded by the Patron of the Zimbabwe Foot Golf Association in Mashonaland Central, Senator Eleven Kambizi, who described the turnout as overwhelming and promised continued support.
“Footgolf is the sport of the future. In Mashonaland Central, we are already leading and we are not looking back. By next year, all other codes will be playing second fiddle. Footgolf will dominate not only the province but the entire country and beyond,” Senator Kambizi said.
Zimbabwe Foot Golf Association president, Daniel Kuvengwa expressed satisfaction with the national representation at the event, noting the tournament’s triple importance.
“We had participants from nearly all ten provinces. The course was fully booked today. This tournament served three purposes: it marked Africa Day, acted as a qualifier for the Victoria Falls regional event, and served as a platform to scout talent for the upcoming FootGolf World Cup in Mexico,” he said.
The tournament also had high-level government support, with Honourable Christopher Magomo, Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, applauding the development of the country’s first dedicated foot golf course.
“When we gathered here last year to break ground, we spoke with hope and ambition. Today, standing on this site and witnessing its transformation fills me with pride. At the time, some thought these were just dreams but today, they are becoming a reality,” he said.
Zimbabwe marked Africa Day in style, testing the country’s maiden foot golf course and giving players from across the nation and region an opportunity to compete on an international standard facility.
