Overview:
From the four actual rounds played at the par-72 Uganda Golf Club in Kampala, the contest was a draw, with the trophy going back to Kenya who won the 2022 edition at Limuru.
Victoria Cup 2023:
1sT Day:
· Round 1 – Foursomes: Uganda 1-3 Kenya
· Round 2 – Four Ball, Better Ball: Uganda 1.5 – 2.5 Kenya
2nd Day:
· Round 3 – Foursomes – Washed out
· Round 4 – Four Ball, Better Ball: Uganda 3.5-0.5 Kenya
3rd Day:
· Round 5: Singles – Uganda 5-5 Kenya
Ø Overall: Uganda 11 – 11 Kenya
Uganda and Kenya national golf teams will have to wait for another edition of the Victoria Cup to have a clear-cut winner.
The belated 2023 edition played in February 2024 ended all, square with both countries collecting 11 points apiece.
From the four actual rounds played at the par-72 Uganda Golf Club in Kampala, the contest was a draw, with the trophy going back to Kenya who won the 2022 edition at Limuru.
In Kampala, Kenya had a brilliant start in the opening round (foursomes) on day one with a 3-1 win. They extended the margin to 5.5-2.5 after round two (four ball better ball competition).
Round three on Friday morning was washed out after very heavy rains soaked up the playing field.
For the fourth round (Four Ball, Better Ball), Uganda was dominant with a 3.5-0.5 win to level the tie 6-6 coming to the last day of the competition on Saturday, 3rd April 2024 (Single).
The singles’ round ended 5-5 in the ten matches between the two rival countries.
The stalemate in the singles meant that overall, the contest was tied up 11-apiece.
Dennis Maara (captain of the Kenya Golf Team) and his counterpart from Uganda, Joseph Cwinya-ai both received the trophy and either country had their moments to celebrate with the trophy.
By close of the day, Kenya took the trophy home (to Nairobi) having won the 2022 edition in Limuru.
“It is fair enough to square. We would have easily wrapped it at home but made some mistakes in some of some games. Anyway, that is the nature of the game” Cwinya-ai consoled self.
Maara was excited that the trophy will be going to Nairobi. “We came for the trophy and happy to be going back with it. I thank the players for the spirited display” Maara stated.
How action unfolded:
In the first game, Uganda’s Titus Okwong and Andrew Ssekibejja over the Kenyan duo of captain Dennis Maara and Michael Karanga 5&3.
During the second game, Uganda team captain Joseph Cwinya-ai and Joseph Kasozi won 1UP against John Lejirma and Ebill Omollo.
Another Ugandan pair; Ibrahim Bagalana and John Musiimenta won 2&1 over Sammy Mulama and Krisch Beiju.
The fourth match ended all-square between Elvis Muigua and Adel Balala with Amon Bwambale and Elton Thembo.
The singles produced scintillating action that ended 6-apiece.
About the Victoria Cup:
The Victoria Cup is an annual golf tournament between the national teams of Uganda and Kenya.
In 2022, the tournament returned after a two-year absence at Limuru club in Nairobi, Kenya with Kenya winning the tournament.
The 2023 edition was not held after a request from Kenya to postpone the event.
How the Teams lined up:
Uganda: Joseph Cwinya-ai (Captain), Joseph Reagan Akena, Joseph Kasozi, Ibrahim Bagalana, Amon Bwambale, John Musimenta, Titus Okwong, Andrew Ssekibejja, Ibrahim Ssemakula and Elton Thembo
Kenya: Dennis Maara (Captain), Danny Chelogoi, John Lejirma, Michael Karanga, Adel Balala, Elvis Muigua, Ebill Omollo, Sammy Mulama, Josphat Rono, Krisch Beiju
