Retired Sables, Cheetahs player joins in Mine Entra golf day fundraiser

SABLES and Cheetahs rugby legend, Japhet Ndebele took part in a successful Mine Entra golf day charity fundraiser at Bulawayo Golf Club on Friday.

The retired rugby superstar put up a spirited display to stay with the leading pack to finish sixth in the 72-hole individual Stableford Mine Entra Golf Charity Tournament. Stableford is a very common scoring system in golf whereby points are awarded on each hole according to how the player does against their own handicap.

This scoring system is widespread in competitive social golf, such as on society days, but many clubs also have regular Stableford competitions as well as medal ones. The annual day is held by the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair as part of its social responsibility and raise funds for various charity events.

Playing off a handicap of 21, the former Sables and Cheetahs right centre got 38 points on a windy day of golf which made the notoriously difficult Bulawayo Golf Club course that much harder, and backed that up with a two-under to finish on 10-under overall, one clear of compatriot Sam Burns.

The overall tournament winner was lady golfer, Talent Kadzima playing off a 25 handicap and managed to get 44 points. Second place went to another lady, Thabani Dhewa who got 41 points and was tied with Taku

Mangwendeza.

Keith Ncube was nearest to the pin on hole 15 while Oswald Nyakunika was closest to the pin on hole 11 and Charles Ndlovu nearest on hole 3. Other prominent locals who participated in the tournament are businessman Shasha Gomez, former Highlanders chairman, Roger Muhlwa, former Zimbabwe Saints secretary-general, Martin Mabvira and football legend Ebson ‘Sugar’ Muguyo.

ZITF board chairman, Busisa Moyo was the guest of honour at the prize giving ceremony hosted by media personality, Sizwakele Ndlovu. Moyo applauded the golfers for braving the weather to participate. He described the event as a bridge between the corporate world and deserving beneficiaries of the fundraising.

“I commend all of you here this evening for taking time out to come and play in this tournament. Without you it wouldn’t be possible for us to be able to raise funds for the charities we support. I applaud you for your commitment,” Moyo said in his address.

Moyo was accompanied by ZITF chief executive, Nicholas Ndebele and his deputy, Stella Nkomo. @ RealSimbaJemwa