APM flies Chidale to Kenya
President President Peter Mutharika has rescued Malawi’s sole professional golfer Paul Chidale by paying for his return air ticket to Kenya where he will take part in the 50th Barclays Kenya Open at Vet Lab Sports Club in Nairobi this week.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Labour, Youth, Sports and Manpower Development Joseph Mwandidya handed over the ticket to Chidale last Friday in Lilongwe on behalf of the President.
Chidale has since expressed gratitude to Mutharika and promised to represent the country well by making a cut.
“I am honoured and will do my best not to disappoint my country. I have trained well and ready to do my country proud,” said Chidale before flying out to Nairobi.
The Barclays Open has drawn professional golfers from Europe, Asia and Africa. It is one of the most contested for tournaments as it has huge monetary rewards.
Lilongwe Golf Club captain Patridge Shycall, who is also Chidale’s manager, thanked the President for his gesture.
“Paul is our only certified professional golfer, as such, he needs to constantly participate in major competitions. But due to financial limitations, it has been tough. We really are thankful to the President for flying Paul to Kenya. I have faith in Paul, he will perform well,” he said.
Shycall also thanked CDH Investment Bank (CDHIB) for taking care of Chidale’s other logistics.
“Apart from CDHIB, we have received assurance that Kenya-based Malawan, Ben Wandawanda, will meet Chidale’s green fees at the Vat Lab Sports Club. We acknowledge all this support,” he said. n
