Chikapa, Banda triumph in Kingfisher Golf
Octogenarian James ‘JJ’ Chikapa and in-form Carol Mbalanje-Banda had fantastic rounds of golf on Sunday at Thyolo Sports Club where they emerged champions of Kingfisher Insurance Brokers and Consultants Golf Tournament.
Chikapa shot to an impressive 43-points finish to repel contention from 42 golfers, including his runner-up Steven Chisale (42 points), in the men’s section as he added a 46th trophy to his mantelpiece after 29 years of playing the ‘gentleman’s’ game.
and Chipungu look on
“I have been playing golf since 1987, but I had not enjoyed my game like I did today. Every shot seemed simple to me and I knew I was going to win once I hit my tee-shot,” said the handicap-20 golfer, who turns 81 on October 2.
In the seven-contestant ladies’ section, Mbalanje-Banda, whose handicap is 20 as well, mostly relied on the three birdies she got on the way to win her sixth golf title this year. With 42-points, she managed to push Joline Bapu-Perreira to the second place by a single shot.
Levison Kapito found solace in hitting the longest drive in men’s division as Connie Muguvu-Karuku achieved similar feat in ladies’ section. Kingsley Chimdima Mhango plucked nearest to the pin accolade aside from being among four two-club winners.
Kingfisher Insurance Brokers and Consultants managing director Henry Sisya said they organised the event in Thyolo in partnership with UGI Insurance Company as a way of appreciating the support they get from tea growers such as Makande Tea Estate and Eastern Produce.
“It was good to mingle with our clients in an informal environment where we discussed our business while having fun,” said Sisya after presenting K150 000 to Thyolo Sports Club golf captain Plem Singh for maintenance of the greens.
“As members of the Allied Independent African Brokers, there is no insurance language we do not understand and it is through such gatherings that we can thoroughly explain such things to our clients. For your information, we are available for any risk obscure in nature, such as terrorist insurance and pension services.”
According to UGI Insurance Company’s strategic business unit manager, Elias Chipungu ,they agreed to partner Kingfisher in organising the golf tournament because they also do business with tea growers in Thyolo.
