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Team Kenya jets out for Victoria Cup in Uganda

Dennis Maara, Micheal Karanga, Elvis Muigua

From left: Dennis Maara, Micheal Karanga, Elvis Muigua and John Lejirma after receving the Kenyan flag from Sports CS Ababu Namwamba at Maktaba Kuu Towers, Nairobi on May 29, 2023 ahead of the Africa Region Four Golf Tournament in Ethiopia.

Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group

By  Larry Ngala

Reporter

NMG Sport

What you need to know:

  • The 10-man team led by national team Captain Dennis Maara of Limuru Country Club, was selected few weeks ago and has been training under coach John van Liefland who expressed confidence in his squad
  • Besides the Captain Maara, the rest of the team is made up of Michael Karanga, newly crowned Sigona Bowl champion Elvis Muigua, both from Kiambu Golf Club, Vet Lab’s Ebill Omollo, Sammy Mulama (Mombasa), Danny Chelogoi (Eldoret), Josphat Rono (Golf Park), Krish Shah (VetLab), John Lejirmah (Railways), and Vipingo’s Adel Balala
  • The Victoria Cup, a biennial tournament which has been taking place since 2016, holds special significance for the Kenyans, as the trophy was generously donated by marathon icon Moses Tanui

Kenya men’s golf team, departed for Uganda on Tuesday morning to take on the hosts in the biennial Victoria Cup from Wednesday.

The 10-man team led by national team Captain Dennis Maara of Limuru Country Club, was selected few weeks ago and has been training under coach John van Liefland who expressed confidence in his squad. 

Besides the Captain Maara, the rest of the team is made up of Michael Karanga, newly crowned Sigona Bowl champion Elvis Muigua, both from Kiambu Golf Club, Vet Lab’s Ebill Omollo, Sammy Mulama (Mombasa), Danny Chelogoi (Eldoret), Josphat Rono (Golf Park), Krish Shah (VetLab), John Lejirmah (Railways), and Vipingo’s Adel Balala.

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It also includes team manager David Ndung'u, and the head of delegation Philip Ochola who is also the Kenya Golf Union (KGU) Chairman.

The Victoria Cup, a biennial tournament which has been taking place since 2016, holds special significance for the Kenyans, as the trophy was generously donated by marathon icon Moses Tanui.

Kenya has a remarkable track record, claiming victory in 2016, 2017, and 2018, with a temporary setback in 2019 against Uganda. The tournament faced a hiatus in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but Kenya reclaimed the title in 2022 at Limuru Country Club.

The two-way Matchplay golf tournament follows the renowned Ryder Cup format, intensifying the competition and fostering camaraderie among participating nations.

Coach John van Liefland said Kenya was capable of a fifth title, citing the meticulous team selection and rigorous training sessions.

“The team's determination and skills are expected to shine as they aim to bring the Victoria Cup home once again.’’

In the headlines