BY GRACE LINDSAY MBABAZI
There are few team events as enthralling as the Victoria Cup competition in golf. Played between Uganda and Kenya every year, it is similar to the Elgon Cup in golf.
On Wednesday, a colourful flag-raising opening ceremony was held at the par-72 club ahead of today’s tee-off of an event that has been dominated by Kenya.
Only once has Uganda lifted the title but coach Flavia Namakula is confident in the team she has been handling.
“We are playing at home and in terms of ball striking, the boys have looked sharp in all the practice rounds,” Namakula told Nile Post.
Uganda must make do without the services of Uganda Open champion Godfrey Nsubuga, a popular player on the Kenyan tour, who travelled to the United States to pursue a golf scholarship.
In his absence, Joseph Cwinya-ai will carry the country’s hopes alongside Uganda Open runner-up Ibra Bagalana.
The Victoria Cup will open with the morning foursomes that will see Cwinya-ai and Andrew Ssekibegga playing pairing of Kenya star Michael Karaga and Elvis Muigua.
At the opening ceremony, Uganda Open President welcomed the Kenyan contingent and promised them a hospitable stay in the country, ‘except for matters on the course.’
This edition is the 2023 tournament with the 2024 Victoria Cup set to be hosted in Kenya later in the year.
Uganda’s other golfers are Joseph Kasozi, John Musimenta, Elton Thembo, Ibrahim Ssemakula, Titus Okwong and Amon Bwambale.
Kenya’s formidable squad includes former Uganda Open champion John Lejirma, Dennis Maraa, Adel Balala, Ebill Omollo and Sammy Mulama.
The course is in pristine condition, which should make for compelling viewing of the Victoria Cup.
The tournament ends on Saturday.
