EAC-All Africa Challenge Trophy 2023 starts in Kigali through Golf Ladies Tournament

By Elias Hakizimana.

Rwanda hosts for the first time, the East and Central Africa ladies’ tournament to compete for the EAC All Africa Challenge Trophy (EACAACT), the initiative that is expected to boost Sports Tourism and revenues.

The official opening ceremony that gathered teams from seven countries; Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Mauritius, and Zambia took place in Kigali on October 31, 2023.

The tournament will last for three days from November 1-3, 2023, at Kigali Golf Villas and Resort ground in Nyarutarama, where the 18-hole course was prepared.

Zephanie Niyonkuru, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports says that the tournament means a lot for the country and for the sports industry in particular.

“From a competition point of view, it is an opportunity for our ladies to compete with their regional colleagues and for the country to showcase our golf course as well. Over the next three days up to Friday, we expect to have a tough competition,” Niyonkuru says.

For a couple of years, Rwanda’s Golf Sport has significantly evolved from the association to the union and the golf clubs have increased in number, giving strength to the youth.

“We believe that in the medium to long term, it is a sport that will attract more people, and even beyond that, we are seeing more people who are in business and other different activities who are embracing Golf Sport,” Niyonkuru adds.

Alice Rwigema, EACAACT Tournament Director explains that the initiative is a good occasion to share experience and cultural diversity beyond competition.

“We believe in women and without this, we cannot go far. This is also a great opportunity for us as a country to showcase our beautiful golf course and earn our spot as a global golfing destination. The visiting teams and the supporters will have a chance to not just compete but to also network and create meaningful partnerships” Says Rwigema.

Rwanda Golf at a High Standard

Rwigema says that Rwanda Golf is at a high standard. She recognizes the efforts by the local Golf clubs and the entire Golf community.

Amb. George William Kayonga, Chairman of Rwanda Golf Union says that Golf Sport started in Rwanda in the 1990s, with only a few people, and it evolved gradually, taking a drive in 1995 with its popular name of Kigali Golf Club.

He says that Rwanda among EAC countries will be renowned for this trust to host the tournament for the first time as it will add value to tourism.

Why women first?

Kayonga says that the ladies’ tournament that begins in Rwanda is proof that even women can do it better and their number is still not enough in Rwanda as well as in other EAC countries compared to men counterparts.

“This tournament will be also an opportunity to raise awareness that women can play Golf and we will hopefully attract many girls and women and more tournaments will be coming up.”

Rwanda was selected to host the EACAACT Ladies’ Golf Tournament in a recent meeting held in Dar es Salaam-Tanzania.

Next year, another tournament that will involve other countries with a diversity of teams, men and youth is expected to take place in Rwanda.

theinspirerpublications@gmail.com