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Kenya wins third straight Africa Region IV tourney in Rwanda
Kigali, Rwanda | LOUIS JADWONG & AGENCIES | Kenya rode to a third straight victory at the prestigious Africa Region IV Championship at Kigali Golf Resort and Villas in Rwanda on Sunday, thanks to some breath-taking golf from reigning Kenya amateur champion Michael Karanga.
Karanga single-handedly ensured Kenya brushed off the Ugandan threat, with a brilliant final round score of 66, cementing his position as the top player at the three-day,72-hole event. He finished first in the individual category with a total score of 276 (-12),
Despite all the best efforts of Uganda captain Joseph Cwinya-ai, his team settled yet again for 2nd place behind Kenya. Cwinya-ai’s total score of 283 (-5) was the second best score of the tournament behind Karanja.
Uganda finished second with an overall score of 875 gross, led by Cwinyaai’s rounds of 70, 74, 72, and 67. He as joined by teammates Joseph Reagan Akena, Joseph Kasozi, and Ibrahim Ssemakula. Uganda last won this trophy in 2019 in Burundi where Cwinya-ai was team captain.
Kenya had an overall team score of 841 gross, comfortably outpacing regional rivals Uganda and Rwanda, who finished second and third, respectively. The Kenyan team, composed of Michael Karanga, Adel Balala, John Lejirma, and Elvis Muigua.
After opening with a solid round of 214, the team built on their lead with scores of 221, 203, and 203 in the subsequent rounds.
Karanga, the reigning Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) champion, led the team with a brilliant final round score of 66, cementing his position as one of the tournament’s top performers.
“This victory is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. Winning this championship is an honour, and I believe our focus, ability to adapt to challenges, and strong team support set us apart,” Lejirma told Golf Score Kenya.
Led by Felix Dusabe, the Rwandan team of Jacques Byiringiro, Gatera Jacques, and Mukisa Benjamin finished third with a team score of 899 gross
Seychelles and Mauritius tied for fourth place with 906 gross, while Ethiopia finished sixth in the tournament with scores of 994 gross.
Africa is divided into five golf divisions with each region mandated to develop the game in their respective regions. Some of the countries in Region IV are Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.
After Kigali, the team will return to Uganda on October 7 to immediately begin preparations for the All-Africa Golf Team Championships due in Harare, Zimbabwe.
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