Lugalo golfer wins NCBA Series title, takes home lucrative prize
Culture, Arts, and Sports minister Damas Ndumbaro (right) and NCBA Bank Tanzania Managing Director Claver Serumaga (left) congratulate Lugalo golfer Ernest Sengeu after winning the NCBA Bank Series tournament. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- Sengeu emerged victorious on a countback against Stephen Chuwalo, with both golfers recording 76 strokes in an event that featured over 130 competitors from across the country.
Dar es Salaam. Lugalo golfer Ernest Sengeu has claimed the overall title at the NCBA Golf Series tournament held last Saturday in Dar es Salaam.
Sengeu emerged victorious on a countback against Stephen Chuwalo, with both golfers recording 76 strokes in an event that featured over 130 competitors from across the country.
“I am very happy to win the event and get the chance to represent the country in Kenya’s final tournament. The secret behind my success is training hard,” said Sengeu.
He said that he faced a strong opposition from other golfers who also targeted the silverware in the competition.
The tournament was graced by the minister for Culture, Arts, and Sports, Damas Ndumbaro.
In Division A, Peter Fiwa also won on a countback against Kiki Ayonga, both golfers having scored 73 nett. Cyril Brown secured the Division B title with 75 nett, while Tejinder Bansal was placed second with 78 nett. In Division C, Ally Hazam won with 73 nett, followed by Jean Louis Brudey, who recorded 77 nett.
The Ladies' category saw Theresia Ndivo triumph with 70 nett, with Leticia Kapalia coming in second with 74 nett. In the Senior category, Simon Traves won with 78 nett, while in the Junior category, Mikoh Mwakawago emerged victorious with 73 nett.
In the NCBA Staff category, the bank’s Managing Director, Claver Serumaga, won with 78 nett. Kunal Lakhani claimed the longest drive title in the men's category, while Leticia Kapalia won in the women’s category. Nicholas Zervos won the nearest-to-the-pin contest in the men’s category.
Speaking at the event, minister Ndumbaro praised NCBA Bank for its support for golf and encouraged other institutions to follow suit.
"Your participation underscores the importance of sportsmanship, teamwork, and dedication. Tanzania's presence in this regional tournament is a source of great pride. The NCBA Bank Golf Series has become a cornerstone in East African golf, with tournaments held in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, culminating in the finals in Nairobi," said Ndumbaro.
He also emphasized the need to encourage greater female participation in golf, promoting inclusivity and diversity in the sport.
NCBA Bank Managing Director Claver Serumaga expressed pride in hosting the event, which also took place in Arusha on July 19. He noted that the highly competitive tournament would see the country’s gross winner compete in Kenya’s grand finale.
"This historic event saw more than 130 golfers compete, bringing together talents like George Ogutu and Salim Sharif, who made their mark in the 2023 edition. The winner of this year's event was awarded a substantial cash prize and an elegant golf bag valued at Sh3 million. Additionally, the winner will travel to Nairobi, with full accommodation and expenses covered by the organizers, to attend the NCBA Golf Series Grand Finale this November," Serumaga stated.
The tournament also introduced a financial education package titled, "Maisha Ni Hesabu Na NCBA," designed to provide the attendees with valuable insights into managing, spending, and investing their money.
