Last week, a team of ladies that represented Botswana at the Regional All Amateur Championships came back home after registering uninspiring results in Swaziland.
Out of six participating countries, the team could only manage fifth position. Botswana obtained position three out of eight countries two years ago in the same championships. However, a belated selection of the team was blamed for the poor results.
Spokesperson of Botswana Golf Union (BGU), Joseph Marudu, explained that the team was assembled three days before the championships and that it may thus had affected the team’s performance. Trazinah Mhoshwa, who is a key figure for the team, however, could not attend the Swaziland Championship, as she is reported to have failed to obtain sports leave from her employers. Her absence is thought to have had a negative contribution to the results.
It is understood that other prominent golfers tried their level best but to no avail as opponents proved to be tougher customers. A disappointed Marudu told the Sunday Standard that they will ensure that, in future, preparations are made well in time. He explained that had things gone well, two months ahead of the championship would have been the appropriate time to start preparations.
Marudu, on the other hand, asserted that the BGU will also have to revamp their development programs as, through the years, it has been mostly the same faces without any new golfers coming up from the ranks. It is also reported that a resolution to bring more youth at the next championships was reached in Swaziland.
Meanwhile, the ladies will be looking to redeem themselves in the Botswana Ladies Amateur Championships that started yesterday. The tournament, which is sponsored by Savannah for an undisclosed fee, features golfers from neighbouring South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Last year’s amount was a mere P15 000 and the golfers are hoping the amount will be increased in his year’s championships.
So far Savannah had provided the golfers with equipment and branded merchandise. Marudu was, however, of the view that they, as the association, are satisfied with the amount considering the fact that golf is an individual sport.
At the time of going to press, a prize giving ceremony was to be held at 1pm at the Phakalane Golf Estate, where the day’s activities were taking place. The Saturday activities took place at Gaborone Sun Golf estate.
South African based, Connie Lekoko, who recently turned professional, was expected to dictate terms of the proceedings. She was, however, expected to face resistance from the likes of Ouname Mhoshwa, a fourteen year form one pupil, Trazinah Marudu.
Ahead of the encounters, a lot had been said about one Midge Tweed, who is tipped as the likeliest of all to cause major upsets.
However, the spotlight will be on South African and Zimbabwean players who were expected to give locals a good run for their money.
The championships, which comes to an end this afternoon, was also used to select the national team.
