Host nation Team Uganda managed to utilize their home advantage and experience to jointly lead day one with defending Champions South Africa in the first round singles event. Martin Ochaya who is making his first appearance for team Uganda proved a point as he trounced Malawi’s Mphulla with a 5-up score to help his side return a total score of 6.5 to jointly lead day one with South Africa who also returned a similar score. Captain Adolf Muhumuza returned half a point after tying with South Africa’s Matthew Spacey. Uganda’s day one loss came from Kangyezi Gideon who was beaten by Kenya’s Justus Madoya with a 2-up.
Team Uganda Coach Amos Kamya attributed his side success on day one to course acclimatization and instilling self belief in the players.
“I instilled self belief and mental toughness in the players on how to handle pressure, I’m happy that it worked. Our strategy is to keep attacking throughout the tournament” Amos Kamya said.
Team Kenya and Zimbabwe also tied with a 5.5 score, Zambia finished fifth with a 3.5 score, Namibia and Swaziland tied at a score of 2 while Malawi finished bottom with a score of 1.5.
Action resumes today with the 2 round foursome competition at 7am and the 3rd round four ball better ball event at midday.
Team Uganda Results.
Ronald Bukenya (1point), Robert Oluba (1 point), Martin Ochaya (1 point), Adolf Muhumuza (1/2 point), Gideon Kagyenzi (0), Robert Happy (1), Lawrence Muhenda (1 point), Ronald Otile (1 point).
Team South Africa Results.
H. Stoop (1 point), J.Buitendag (1), J.Rebula (1), M.Spacey (0.5), A. Beckley (0), T. Gauche (1), J. Smith (1), J.Strydom (1).
