Kenya national amateur golf team departs to the East Africa Challenge golf Championships today, Kenya Golf Union (KGU) chairman Alfred Kariuki has announced.

David Opati of Golf Park will captain the team for the event slated to start today through to Saturday. Kariuki said the team is comprised of strong players and they expect a repeat performance in a bid to retain the trophy again.

"The team comprises of five juniors selected through the Junior Golf Foundation Order of Merit and 4 seniors drawn from Golfer of the Year (GOTY) events. Kariuki said they have incorporated the juniors as part of their build-up for 2016 Olympic Games.

Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and host Burundi have confirmed participation. Speaking during the 'Mumias Natural Sweetness' Grand Finale, Kariuki lauded organisers for adopting a medal format of play.

Kariuki also lauded Mumias for contributing Sh300, 000 towards the golf development kitty. "Kenya Golf Union is working hard to develop and promote the game of golf in the country," said Kariuki.

Earlier last week, Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Hon. Ababu Namwamba handed the flag to the national team to Bujumbura and applauded the KGU for a job well done in the development and promotional of the game. The Minister especially hailed the union for lining up 5 juniors for the Bujumbura show.

Kariuki will accompany the Bujumbura-bound team alongside and Andrew Chelogoi, the KGU North Rift region representative, and coach Charles Farrar. Squad: 1. David Opati (captain, Golf Park), Mathew Omondi (Vet Lab), 3. C J Wangai (Railway), Nelson Simwa (Vet Lab), Adel Balala (Nyali- junior), Mathew Wahome (Nyali- junior), Daniel Nduva (Nyali- junior), 8. Kush Mediratta (Sigona-junior) and Abraham Abdullahi( Great Rift Valley- junior).