Mogomotsi Moloi
18 April 2008
Gaborone — The national golf team left yesterday to take part in the Zambia Amateur Open tournament this weekend before the Zone VI Championships which tees-off next week.
The weeklong Zone VI event takes place in Ndola, Zambia. The nine-member Botswana team has been in camp since Monday. It consists of Orapa best golfer Diane Lucas, reigning Botswana Amateur Open champion Stuart Smith, Mpho Kelosiwang, Phenyo Lekgoa, Tshedi Keabetswe, Walter Seokemong, Shane Granger and Dikgang Lemogang. Smith, Makoko and Lemogang will be competing in the Zone VI tournament for the first time. The team goes to Zambia fresh from taking part in the BP Jwaneng Open Championship that was won by Lucas. Two weeks ago, the players took part in the Botswana Open where the final squad was selected. Before their departure, Lucas told Mmegi Sport that they intend to be good ambassadors on and off the course. "I want to tell Batswana that we are going there to compete. We have the passion for this game and we would bring good things to this country," said the former captain.
He is happy the team has had ample time to prepare. Since January, the players have been under the tutelage of highly-rated South African tactician, Michael Balderstone. Lucas indicated that they will not put themselves under pressure but they will play their normal game. The team consists of three rookie players who have improved tremendously since their call-up. Lucas who plays handicap zero, stated that Smith's win in the Botswana Open at the expense of renowned golfers, speaks volumes about the 17-year-old. The Botswana Golf Union (BGU) has crowned Lemogang the most improved golfer this year. "This clearly shows that we have promising youngsters who just need guidance for the future," said Lucas.
He said golf is a sophisticated game that is affected by a number of factors but they will not be intimidated. He conceded that they are not expecting an easy game against formidable countries like South Africa and Zimbabwe who have always dominated the region. Acting BGU executive secretary, Joseph Marudu was equally upbeat about the prospects of the team in Zambia. Botswana has not fared well in the tournament so far. Last year, the country finished second last in the competition. But this time Marudu has high hopes that they have done all the necessary things to help the players to up their game.
He warned the players not to be complacent because home games are different from international ones. Although the team leaves without a head coach, Marudu trusts that manager Bakani Kelebantse and BGU vice president Milton Nkwane will guide the players to victory.
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