Africa-Press – Tanzania. FOR the first time in the history Tanzania Ladies Golf Union (TLGU) has been honoured to host All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) to be staged here next year.
TLGU president Sophia Viggo unveiled in Dar es Salaam this week that the country has been given a ticket to host the continental class golf event beating her East and Central African neighbours who also wanted to host.
Tanzania won the chance to host after finishing second in the 14th edition of AACT held in Accra, Ghana in 2018, the event could not be held last year due to a coronavirus outbreak.
Viggo said that this is a big honour for the country and sport in general.
“We have already decided that the competition will be held at Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club (DGC) course in September next year.
“I want to take the opportunity to thank DGC Chairman Alfred Kinswaga for the good cooperation that has helped us win this battle to host the prestigious event,” she said.
Viggo noted that over 25 countries are expected to take part at the competition which serves as Africa’s top golf event for ladies.
She said her union is ready for the big challenge ahead and she appeals for support from companies, institutions, government and sports well-wishers so as to make it a success.
However, Viggo noted that organising the event will have big impact for the team and the country’s tourisms and economy.
Tanzania has been an active member of the event taking part in 12 after missing once in the 2016 event staged in Tunisia.
Bringing the tournament is perfect timing as Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism Damas Ndumbaro recently announced that golf is a sport for tourism.
Minister Ndumbaro also promises to work closely with TLGU to ensure the both sectors advance to higher levels.
“It will be an advantage to our team looking for their chance to grab the first title from dominant South Africa, who has heavily invested in the sport and has been competing on the world stage at all levels.
South Africa have always been victors other than Egypt who won 2006 title held in Lusaka, Zambia, though the individual trophy has been won by Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Ivory Coast (after a play-off with Uganda) and Madina Iddi did stunning job for Tanzania in Accra in 2018 after winning a playoff over South African.
It will be a big boost for local players and upcoming golfers who are yet to test the prestigious competition and meet Africa’s top golfers who will be represent their country in the event.
