10-yr-old scoops second prize in SADC golf tourney
MWAKA LENGALENGA
Lusaka
TEN-YEAR-OLD Aamiya Mpolele has made Zambia proud by winning second prize at the SADC Delta Botswana Junior Golf Championship.
The tournament brought together more than 70 boys and girls from across southern Africa – and Mpolele stood out with her talent and determination.
“I was so proud and happy as it was my first time playing in a tournament outside Zambia,” Mpolele said.
She is a Grade Six pupil at Chudleigh House School, where she also plays golf as an extracurricula activity.
Her love for the sport started when she was just seven years old.
“My dad is the one who got me interested in golf.
We used to go to different golf clubs together during holidays, or when we were free,” she said.
Mpolele said she loves golf because it is a fun activity that does not require any pressure and it is easy to learn the sport.
Before heading to Botswana, Mpolele was nervous, but also confident and hoped she would win something at the tournament.
“I was praying that I would at least win something and go back home with a trophy, and that is exactly what happened.
“I remember stepping onto the golf course in Botswana and telling myself, ‘I must go home with something’. And I did!” she said.
Mpolele dreams of becoming a professional golfer one day.
“I see myself going abroad, maybe to the United States. I feel I can become a professional golfer, but I also have another dream – I want to become a doctor too!” she said.
Her advice to other young girls is that every sport is for everyone, boys and girls.
“But you also have to balance school and sport. School is important too. You need English, science, French… all of it!” she said.
Mpolele’s mother, Judith Moro, is proud of her daughter’s achievements.
“Of course, I feel proud, it is such a special feeling to see your child doing well at something they love. When we were young, our parents would often say no to sports careers, but now we’ve learned to support our children’s talents. You never know – this could be her future,” she said.
Ms Moro recalled a moment during the tournament when Mpolele felt low and she could not be with her on the golf course.
“She had a moment where she sat on a bench and just broke down. I couldn’t go to her, but the other girls she was playing with showed so much sisterhood – they all went to comfort her. After that, she got up and played really well!” Ms Moro said.
She said Mpolele’s father, who works as an accountant, also plays golf and is her biggest supporter. He even caddied (a caddy a person who carries the golf clubs for the player) for her during the tournament.
“He was surprised at how good she was – he said she was even better than him!” she said.
Over 20 junior golfers participated in the SADC Delta tournament from Zambia.
