Outgoing Blantyre Sports Club (BSC) golf captain Donbell Mandala pulled a surprise on Monday, October 1 2012, when he hosted caddies at the club to bid them farewell as his tenure ends today.
This was the first captain’s caddies prize competition.
Traditionally, almost every golf club reserves Monday for caddies to play golf free of charge. Mandala, with the support of his committee, took advantage of this arrangement to host the event which attracted over 80 caddies.
Austin Nandolo was the caddies’ champion after amassing a score of 80 gross. He won a driver, assorted food items and groceries.
In his victory speech, Nandolo thanked the outgoing captain for doing the unthinkable.
“We are humbled and I am excited that I emerged the winner,†said Nandolo.
Nandolo’s runner-up was Frazer Shaibu with 82 gross whereas junior national golf team player Simone Moses was third with 83 gross.
Nearest to the pin on hole one went to James Kaisi, nearest to the pin in two on hole 9 was awarded to Julius Mussa while Eliot Manong’a hit the ball the longest on hole 17. Willie Manong’a, Asani Kanthiti, Moses and Steve Yesani all got two clubs and pocketed K1 650 each.
Mandala thanked the caddies for their contribution during his tenure as captain.
“I only thought of this two months ago. The items you see in front here for you to win, have been made available courtesy of all the committee members present here. As an individual, I may have crossed paths with some of you, but that is possible in every set-up. The best is not to take it to heart. All in all, you guys are always marvellous,†said Mandala amid a loud applause.
Shaibu, who spoke briefly on behalf of caddies, thanked Mandala for the initiative.
“You have made us feel human, feel useful and this is important for us to do our job well. I hope and pray that the next committee will emulate this,†said Shaibu.
The caddies were treated to a meal and drinks.
Meanwhile, golfers at BSC will this evening usher in a new committee at the golf section’s annual general meeting (AGM). The current vice-captain, Medison Kalambule, is tipped to take over from Mandala.
