After Zimbabwe’s David Amm was tied at 72 with South Africa ‘s Saulez Matt in the first round on Tuesday, Zimbabwe succumbed to a defeat by South Africa in the FBC Africa Region 5B Golf Championships that ended on Thursday at Chapman Golf Club , Harare, Zimbabwe.
By Tendai Chisiri
The two golfers played par in the 16th hole resulting in them playing the 17th hole. Matt teed first to 20 feet whilst David made 30 feet. David had his putt at 2 feet and Matt conceived the putt. When Matt holed his putt form the 20 feet , he the won in the two day event.
In the first round South Africa had a total of 220 points against Botswana who had 249 points. Zambezi which is Zimbabwe’s B team accumulated 230 points against Malawi with at 244 points. Swaziland paired with Uganda managed 232 points and 235 points respectively. Zimbabwe were on 226 points against Namibia who amassed 247 points.
In the semi- finals Zimbabwe played against Swaziland whilst South Africa played against Zambezi. South Africa and Zimbabwe went through to the finals whilst Zambezi and Swaziland played for the 3rd and 4th positions.
South Africa won dismissed Zimbabwe by a narrow margin as they won by a point.
David Amm was elated although Team Zimbabwe lost to South Africa.” The game went well and we had a good start up in the 2 matches. I managed to get on my lead but unfortunately the other guys came short”, he said.
“The other guys lacked experience and exposure. South Africans have a lot of exposure and managed to control the pressure exuded on them”, he added.
South Africa’s Saulez Matt was in ecstasy as it was his first win not in South Africa.” The golf course was tough but the play was fine. It’s my second time to be in Zimbabwe and it was very nice”, he said. He acknowledged the motivation he got from his team mates at the High performance Centre in Pretoria; in the South African team and at Durban Country Club , Manager with the South African team and parents for the spirited performance.
“I am leaving for the United Kingdom in 2 weeks time were I will play 5 tournaments before going to America for 4 tournaments”, he revealed.
Rasheed Mohamed captain of the Zambezi team was also in a jovial mood after his team came third.” My team did well as the fought experienced players. On the last round we had one game and then halved the other thus sending us to play offs. I played the play offs against Sifiso Valani of Swaziland and won the sudden death penalty for my team.
Tournament Director Alec Murewa was not left a disappointed man either.” We normally come second to South Africa and this time we just lost by a point portraying a improvement in our team.”
“Chapman is a tough course and we had out top players who used the home advantage .The play was well although everyone was complaining about the toughness of the course”, he said.
“Golf in Zimbabwe is very competitive and we have upcoming players interested in the sport. The challenges encountered are that the youngster come from disadvantaged backgrounds thereby it is a bit challenging for them to access the required kits to play golf. Sponsorship is needed and we hope sponsors will come on board for the youngsters to get exposure”, he added.
Final team Standing
- South Africa
- Zimbabwe
- Zambezi
- Swaziland
- Uganda
- Malawi
- Botswana
- Namibia
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