MATABELELAND Amateur Golf Association president Mufaro Chivonivoni says the 2013 season was the year of success and that it is clear in the coming season the sport would be destined for greater heights.
RONALD MOYO SPORTS REPORTER
Chivonivoni, who assumed office last year, labelled 2013 as the landmark term for the growth of golf in Matabeleland saying the association’s business of recruiting young golf players will not end this season, but continue into 2014.
“We are happy about our 2013 achievements as an association especially the development of a number of (previously) underprivileged junior players. In August, we took a number of young players for Mashonaland junior championships in Harare and they did quite well. We also managed to send a team of junior players to the Midlands Junior Open which is good for the development of the sport. We will continue recruiting young talent,” Chivonivoni said.
In the past years golf had been elitist in nature accessed only by those from privileged families, but the association has made strides to provide underprivileged young players an opportunity to showcase their talents.
Chivonivoni also credited the association with managing to spread golf tournaments to other parts of the province. Previously, most tournaments were played in Bulawayo, but it is no longer the case as they have spread their wings as far as Matabeleland North. “The association also worked hard to spread tournaments to other parts of Matabeleland.
We have been having a scenario whereby most golf tournaments were played in Bulawayo, but it no longer is the case. We had the Elephant Hills Open in Victoria Falls and the Hwange Open which is also good in the development of the sport,” he said. Chivonivoni, however, said the association was beset with financial constraints as the funds received from the mother body were not adequate for the day-to-day running of the association.
“Although we might say we had a good season, it is also true that our activities as an association were limited due to financial hardships. The money we receive for development from the national association was not enough for us,” Chivonivoni added.
