Sports
Uganda Shines on Day Two at Africa Region VI Junior Team Golf Championship
Uganda’s junior golfers produced a spirited fightback on the second day of the Africa Region VI Junior Team Championship at the Tamarina Golf and Spa Resort in Mauritius, with Shaka Kariisa Ndyabahika, Banza Matsiko Gershom, and Keisha Wiltshire Kagoro leading the charge.
After a disappointing opening round, the team promised a stronger showing—and they duly delivered. Kariisa and Matsiko both turned in improved scores, cementing Uganda’s hold on fourth position overall. But it was Kagoro who stole the spotlight, carding a seven-over 79.
Her round was highlighted by a brilliant front nine of 35, showcasing precision and composure. However, a bogey-laden back nine saw her slip, though she still managed to post her best performance so far at the championship.
“She is a fighter,” said coach Flavia Namakula after the round. “Like all the rest of the team, no one was happy with how the first day went. So we had a good, candid discussion and spoke openly on the things we had to do better here.”
Namakula praised the resilience of her players, noting their renewed focus. “We acknowledged that we all had to be mentally strong. We agreed to think before each and every decision we made. Fortunately, the players were angry with themselves after day one, and that sparked the turnaround.”
The championship has unfolded under excellent weather conditions, further energising the competition. Uganda now sits fourth on the leaderboard, just six strokes behind third-placed Mauritius. Reunion, with a commanding 21-stroke advantage, is on course to secure the title ahead of Kenya.
The final round promises a thrilling finish for Team Uganda. Elizabeth Danelle Dlexik Kawalya will lead the charge at 8:30 am local time (7:30 am Kampala time), followed by Kagoro at 8:40 am in a three-ball alongside Madagascar’s Louanne Pless and Tanzania’s Shufaa Twalib Hassani. Kariisa will tee off at 8:50 am with Tanzania’s Ramadhani Yasin Mohamed and Madagascar’s Romain Fitahania Gagneux, while Matsiko will follow at 9:00 am, paired with Ibrahim Juma Lukuli (Tanzania) and Matteo Rakotofiringa (Madagascar).
With a strong finish, Namakula’s young side could yet sneak into the top three if Mauritius stumbles on the final day.
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