HARARE’S top footgolfers are heading to Bulawayo this weekend, ready to compete in the national footgolf tournament at the Harry Allen Club.
The province has selected a team of 11 participants who are set to showcase their skills and compete against players from across the country.
Footgolf, a hybrid sport that combines elements of football and golf, is gaining traction in Zimbabwe.
Players kick a football toward a large 50-52 cm diameter cup, with the goal of completing each hole in the fewest kicks possible.
According to Munyaradzi Joe Chirinda, the technical director for footgolf in Harare province, the team is well-prepared and confident.
“The preparations have been intensive,” Chirinda told NewsDay Sport.
“We had the Heroes’ tournament to sharpen our skills, and I am confident that Harare will be well represented to showcase our abilities.
“There will also be a lot at stake and opportunities to shine, because we are the sunshine and capital city of Zimbabwe.”
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Despite the team’s high hopes, a significant challenge remains — lack of sponsorship.
Chirinda highlighted that the sport’s talent, particularly at the grassroots level, is not getting the support it needs.
“The marketing, sponsorship and resource mobilisation have not done enough to assist the talent that is in Harare. Sponsorship is the key to supporting the talent,” he said.
This lack of funding means that players are currently self-sponsoring their participation.
Vanessa Munyuki, the Harare province footgolf chairperson, noted that many of the participants are not full-time athletes, with a number of them being teachers.
Munyuki sees this year’s tournament as a crucial learning experience and a stepping stone for the future.
“This tournament was a learning curve and we noted areas of improvement in preparation for next year’s tournament, which will be bigger and better with the desire to attract partnership and sponsorship,” she said.
The Harare team heading to the nationals includes Tsungai Chakaingesu, Chizema Kenias, Vambe Margaret, Applonia Mondiwa, Shadreck Machihani, Majoko Margial, Munyuki Vanessa, Purumeri Nicholas and Mushave Beauty.
Harare’s team is looking forward to the challenge in Bulawayo, hoping to bring home a win and raise the profile of footgolf in the capital city.
