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Golfers Kibugu, Nsanzuwera go head-to-head at Thika
Top professional players, Kenya's Njoroge Kibugu (left) and Rwanda's Celestin Nsanzuwera, playing in the Sunshine Development Tour- East Africa Swing, sixth leg at Royal Nairobi in October, 2025.
An impressive field of 82 golfers from 10 African countries will fight for the Sunshine Development Tour - East Africa Swing ninth leg crown at the Thika Greens Golf Resort from today to Friday.
This leg and the 10th leg is officially titled the Absa Invitational Series, courtesy of the bank’s Sh4 million sponsorship.
From the field of 82, 62 are professionals, while 20 are elite amateurs.
Kenya has the largest number of competitors at 55, while Uganda has 10 representatives, Rwanda five, Nigeria four, Tanzania and Zimbabwe two each.
Malawi, Burundi, Ghana, and Senegal will each be represented by one player.
Kenya’s challenge will be spearheaded by Njoroge Kibugu, the current Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit leader, who has already secured a Sunshine Tour card after winning three legs this season, at Thika Greens, Nyali Golf Club, and Vet Lab Sports Club.
Rwanda’s Celestin Nsanzuwera in action at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club during the ProAm event of the Sunshine Development Tour - East Africa Swing Johnnie Walker Classic event on Saturday, October 11, 2025.
The strong home contingent includes seasoned professionals Dismas Indiza and Greg Snow, both winners in the series, alongside top amateurs John Lejirma and Michael Karanga.
The Ugandan player to watch out for is Ronald Rugumayo, one of the country’s most experienced professionals and a regular player on the Big Easy Tour, one of the affiliate tours of the main Sunshine Tour of South Africa.
Rugumayo recently finished joint second at the Big Easy Tour 8 at Killarney Country Club in South Africa, and arrives in Thika in strong form.
Other Ugandans who may want to have a say are David Kamulindwa, Ronald Otile, Phillip Kasozi, and Grace Kasango, among others.
Rwandan Celestin Nsanzuwera has been one of the most consistent performers on the Sunshine Development Tour, with wins at the Q -School, Diani and Kigali. He also did well in Nyali, Vet Lab and Limuru. He is currently sitting in second place in the Order of Merit.
Tanzania’s hopes rest on Nuru Mollel, Fadhyl Nkya, Isaac Wanyeche, Dunia Isiaka, and Angel Eaton, all of whom have consistently featured in the Tour’s inaugural season.
Nigeria will be represented by leading professional Sunday Olapade, who has become a familiar face on the East Africa Swing.
He will be joined by compatriots Gift Willy, Kamalu Bako, and Ajayi Tajudeen.
Zimbabweans Visitor Mapwanya and Liberty Gumisa will fancy their chances.
The tournament also features five female golfers competing in the mixed field. Kenya’s Naom Wafula, who has made seven cuts this season and is the highest ranked female on the Tour, stands out.
Her consistency has already earned her a Sunshine Ladies Tour card, courtesy of a newly created African Affiliate category, which will allow her access to the 2026 Sunshine Ladies Tour.
The winner will walk away with Sh400,000 from the Sh2 million prize purse.
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