Zim consolidate lead

Sport
OVERNIGHT leaders Zimbabwe kept their title charge at the Africa Golf Confederation President’s Cup on course after another solid performance on the second day of the 72-hole strokeplay competition at Nkana Golf Club yesterday.

OVERNIGHT leaders Zimbabwe kept their title charge at the Africa Golf Confederation President’s Cup on course after another solid performance on the second day of the 72-hole strokeplay competition at Nkana Golf Club yesterday. DANIEL NHAKANISO in KITWE, ZAMBIA

After storming to a five-shot first round lead over Zambia on Monday the Zimbabwean four combined brilliantly in the sweltering Copperbelt heat for level par 146 stretching their lead to nine strokes.

Team captain Tonderai Masunga yet again led his charges from the front with a solid round of level par 73 which was also matched by young Thembelani Vundla who recovered after a disappointing first round.

Visitor Mapwanya, who has won many admirers in Kitwe because of his long-hitting game contributed to Zimbabwe’s total after signing for a solid round of one-over par 74 which lifted him to third place on the individual leaderboard.

There was, however, no joy for debutant Robson Chinhoi who for the second successive day, found the going tough as he carded a disappointing seven over par 80.

Zambia were unable to make any inroads towards Zimbabwe’s total despite a brilliant round of four under par 69 by Aaron Simfukwe (Jr) as his teammates Peter Munyinya (75) and Timothy Sondashi (80) and Denmark Mulambo (80) could not complement his efforts.

Masunga, who is now tied for the individual lead with Simfukwe on one-under par 145 said he was happy with his team’s performance so far adding that he was confident they would win the inaugural edition of the eight-team AGC President’s Cup.

“I’m happy with the way my team has played. The guys have given it their all and I’m hoping we will continue to play for each other so that we could win this competition.”

After overcoming a nervy start, Vundla said he was hopeful his charges would continue with their good team work as, it had worked well for them so far.

“Obviously I didn’t play well on Monday, but I went out there and gave it my best today. I’d like to congratulate the boys for a good team effort because unlike the other teams, we have managed to do well as a team and I believe it has given us an edge over the other teams,” Vundla said.

Second round team standings (Best three scores to count) 440 Zimbabwe 220 – 220

449 Zambia 225 – 224

451 Kenya 227 – 224

461 Malawi 229 – 232

472 Uganda 246 – 226

474 Tanzania 236 – 238

477 Namibia 236 – 241

532 Nigeria 256 – 276

Individual leaderboard (top six gross) T1 145 T Masunga (Zimbabwe) 72 74

T1 145 A Simfukwe Jnr (Zambia) 76 69

146 V Mapwanya (Zimbabwe) 72 74

148 N Simwa (Kenya) 75 73

149 T Vundla (Zimbabwe) 76 73

151 D Mulambo (Zambia) 71 80