Why the Mwakawago family’s talented triplets shine in golf

Dar es Salaam. It’s not uncommon to see children from a certain family get involved in one sport in today’s world. This often results from inspirations by parents or guardians and among the children.

Famous tennis players Serena and Venus Williams; Ryan and Christian Harrison, as well as Mischa and Alexander Zverev exemplify the above view.

Others are Eden Hazard, Thorgan, and Kylian who play for the Belgium national football team without forgetting the professional boxing, which had the like of Haji, Rashid, Hassan, Mbwana (son), and Mohamed, all from the Mbwana family.

Not only that, but also the game of boxing saw the Cheka family produce Francis and Cosmas Cheka, who became professional boxers, of whom the country was proud.

The adage, “Water follows its course” can also be used to describe the above.

This saying also rings true for the Mwakawago family that has triplets, who are junior golfers namely Rodjey, Kiye, and Mikoh. Their mother, Yasmin Chali, and father Kiyeyeu Mwakawago, are also golfers.

Besides being a golfer, Yasmin is the secretary-general of the Tanzania Ladies Golf Union (TLGU).

The triplet golfers’ grandfather, Saidi Nkya as well as their uncle, Fadhil Nkya, are counted among the country's veteran golfers.

Additionally, their late grandmother, late Lina Nkya, fondly remembered as the "Mother Golfer," influenced both her sons, Fadhyl Nkya, who is now a professional golfer, and Hassan Nkya, also known as Chali Said, who is also a great golfer.

The Mother Golfer played a pivotal role in promoting women's golf in Tanzania, leaving behind a legacy of empowerment and inspiration.

This legacy serves as a driving force for the triplets' passion for and dedication to the game.

Their journey to golfing celebrity began just over a year ago, yet in this short span, the triplets have risen steeply to fame, consistently dominating the junior category golf scene in Tanzania.

Most recently, at the ICEA LION Monthly Mug held at the prestigious Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club on February 19, 2024, Mikoh Mwakawago emerged triumphant, clinching the top spot in Division C with an impressive 68 net strokes.

Not far behind were his brothers, Rodjey and Kiye, who claimed second and third spots respectively, showcasing their remarkable talent and competitive spirit.

However, their success isn't confined to a single event. The Mwakawago triplets have left their mark on various competitions across the country, including the Kili Golf junior event in Arusha, the Fiddle Golf title, and the NCBA Bank junior event.

Their consistent performance and firm dedication have propelled them to the forefront of Tanzanian junior golf, earning them recognition and admiration from peers and enthusiasts alike.

But golf isn't the only arena, where the Mwakawago triplets excel. These Form Three students at FK Secondary School in Dar es Salaam are multi-sport athletes, demonstrating their versatility and athleticism on the basketball court and football field.

Their involvement in swimming, representing both FK Secondary School and FK Blue Marlins, further underscores their commitment to sports excellence.

In an exclusive interview with The Citizen, Rodjey Mwakawago reflected on the invaluable lessons sports have imparted to them.

"Through sports, we have learned various valuable things like discipline, respect, networking with other people, as well as commitment," said Rodjey.

For the Mwakawago triplets, sports aren't just a pastime; they are a way of life—a path towards personal growth, success, and fulfillment.

Their ambition extends beyond the boundaries of golf, as they aspire to become icons not only on the fairway but also on the basketball court and football pitch.

"We have the mission and vision of reaching the highest standard in sports. Our target is to become world stars, and that's why we train hard to attain that," Rodjey insisted.

Their relentless pursuit of excellence knows no boundary, driving them to push their limits and defy expectations. Despite their growing success, the Mwakawago triplets remain grounded, prioritising their education alongside their athletic pursuits.

With an exactly planned schedule, they seamlessly balance their studies with sports training, recognizing the importance of laying a strong foundation for their future.

 "Our studies are the foundation of our lives, so we make sure that we allocate time for both studies and sports," said Kiye.

Mikoh echoed his brothers' sentiments, emphasising the broader significance of sports in shaping character, instilling discipline, and creating opportunities for employment.

"Sports reflect life, discipline, and employment. We are pursuing this purposefully, with a clear mission and vision," he asserted.

The triplets serve as the living examples of the transformation power of sports, inspiring others to pursue their passions and strive for excellence. In the realm of golf, Mikoh challenges the prevailing notion that the sport is exclusive to the affluent, advocating greater inclusivity and accessibility.

"Golf is not just for the well-off; it's for everyone. People should dispel that negative perception and embrace the game for the development of the sports industry," he urged.

Through their remarkable achievements and unwavering advocacy, the Mwakawago triplets are revolutionizing the landscape of Tanzanian sports, paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive future.

As they continue to etch their names in the records of Tanzanian sports history, Rodjey, Kiye, and Mikoh Mwakawago embody the essence of talent, determination, and resilience.

With each swing of the club and every goal scored, they inspire a generation, proving that with dedication, anything is possible.

The budding players are more than just golf prodigies; they are the beacons of hope, lighting the path towards a brighter, more inclusive future for Tanzanian sports.