Lugalo golfer sparkles at 2024 NBC Waitara Trophy
Retired Chief of Defence Forces and founder of the NBC Waitara Trophy Golf competitions, George Waitara (second right), presents the trophy and cash prize to overall winner Boniface Japhet (second left) of Lugalo Gold Club. Looking on (third left) is NBC Bank’s Head of Bancassurance Business, Benjamin Nkaka. On the left is Queen Siraki, president of the Tanzania Ladies Golf Union (TLGU), and on the right is David Mziray, manager of the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) Lugalo Golf Club. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- The tournament’s founder, retired Chief of Defence Forces General George Waitara, commended the participants and sponsors, urging the community to actively engage in the sport.
Dar es Salaam. Boniface Japhet emerged as the overall winner of this year’s NBC Waitara Trophy at the Lugalo Club course in Dar es Salaam on Saturday. Japhet, playing off a handicap of 23, triumphed over 121 other competitors by recording a net score of 67 in the stroke play event.
“I’m delighted to win this year’s trophy. It wasn’t easy at all, but I managed to keep my composure to achieve this. I believe I will perform even better in forthcoming tournaments,” Japhet said.
He described the tournament as highly competitive, with each golfer vying for victory, but credited his focus for his success.
“I extend my gratitude to all the golfers, organisers, sponsors, and my club leaders for their cooperation. Winning this title boosts my confidence for future events. I believe it has left a positive impact on all the participants,” he added.
The 18-hole competition saw Isiaka Daudi claim the top spot in the gross category with a score of 78, while Hawa Wanyeche recorded 80 gross in the women’s category.
The NBC Bank Waitara competition attracted many of the country’s top golfers and concluded successfully.
The tournament’s founder, retired Chief of Defence Forces General George Waitara, commended the participants and sponsors, urging the community to actively engage in the sport.
Waitara stressed the importance of dispelling the notion that golf is exclusively for the affluent, highlighting the economic opportunities and social connections it offers
. “I urge parents to encourage their children to take up golf. Besides the health benefits, it provides economic opportunities and facilitates social and business networking,” Waitara said.
The retired CDF also appealed to golf event sponsors to extend their support beyond tournaments and invest in improving golf courses, particularly irrigation systems, to ensure upkeep during dry seasons.
Benjamin Nkaka, NBC Bank’s Head of Bancassurance Business, emphasised the bank’s commitment to promoting and developing the sports sector to uncover talents, create employment opportunities, and promote domestic tourism.
“We view golf as a strategic sport that can contribute significantly to our nation’s development and provide opportunities for various groups regardless of age, gender, or economic background,” Nkaka said.
He said that NBC Bank is committed to sports development in the country, and that’s why they have been involved in many sports activities. NBC Bank is also sponsoring the Mainland Tanzania Premier League.
Meanwhile, Gilman Kasiga, Chairman of the Tanzania Golf Union (TGU), expressed satisfaction with the tournament’s success, noting the increased participation from women and children. He encouraged clubs to organise special competitions for seniors to boost their involvement and networking opportunities.
Tanzania Ladies Golf Union (TLGU) President Queen Siraki echoed Kasiga’s sentiments, urging more women to participate in the sport and calling on sponsors to support them.
