ESTHER NG’ANDU
Kitwe
MOPANI Copper Mines chief executive officer Charles Sakanya has hailed the positive impact the Zambia Open Golf Championship has made on youths in Kitwe. Speaking through MCM representative Rajiv Bayal at the Zambia Open Golf Championship chairman’s cocktail on Monday, Sakanya said the mining firm gets satisfaction in sponsoring sports when it sees young people from communities excelling.
“What gives Mopani the greatest satisfaction is not only the investment in sport, but also when we see the young people coming from the communities being changed; opportunities given to young people not only to dream but also seeing their bright futures unfolding before our eyes,” he said.
Sakanya said the mining company remains committed to supporting sport as a vehicle for youth empowerment and economic development, adding that the Mopani Zambia Open has become more than just a golf tournament.
“The championship has become a platform that brings together sport, business and communities while showcasing world-class talent and promoting teamwork and dedication,” he said.Sakanya said the tournament has continued to grow since 2014, enhancing Zambia’s golfing profile while contributing to the social and economic development of Kitwe and the country. And Nkana Golf Club chairperson Lynot Tangayi thanked various sponsors for coming on board.
Tangayi said he was panicking when the US$150,000 budget was taking long to be met. Kitwe District Commissioner Oncemore Ngonomo described the tournament as one of Zambia’s flagship sporting events.
Ngonomo said the tournament continues to strengthen friendship, unity and community engagement through sport.Organising committee chairperson Noel Simwanza said the championship has evolved into one of the country’s premier sporting events providing a stage for both local and international golfers to showcase their talent.
Simwanza said the growing partnership between the Sunshine Tour and the Zambia Golf Union reflects increasing confidence in Zambia’s ability to host worldclass golf tournaments.
Meanwhile, Nkana Golf Club Captain Philip Bwembya said the tournament remains a significant fixture on Zambia’s sporting calendar, bringing together golfers and stakeholders from beyond the borders.
Meanwhile, Nkana golfer Kennedy Likomeno stole the limelight in yesterday’s Integrated Engineering Services Pro-Am after carding a hole in one, NDINAWE SIMPELWE reports. Likomeno shot a hole in one on the par three 11th hole to drive away with a brand new Toyota Land Cruiser sponsored by CFAO Zambia.
It’s the first time in the history of the Mopani Zambia Open that a CFAO-sponsored vehicle has been won. Three more cars are up for grabs on the par-three holes for any golfer that will shoot a hole in one during the Zambia Open Championship….
