SA trio ready for Africa showdown

With the exception of 2006, South Africa has claimed victory in every edition of the biennial event since its inception in 1992.

Current Womens Golf South Africa number two Kruger said the team is determined to uphold South Africa’s winning tradition in Kenya.

“We are committed to our title defence and we want to continue South Africa’s proud tradition in this championship,” the Zwartkops amateur said.

“This is a team event and there are no individual heroes on our team. We will play for each other and play to post the best possible score over the three rounds of the tournament.”

The South African players arrived in Kenya on Saturday and had their first look at the course during Sunday’s practice round. It also afforded the team a chance to assess the competition.

“We know three players on the Zambian team and the Zimbabwean players from competing against them at the Zambia Ladies Open, but we think Kenya could be the team to watch,” said Fletcher.

“They have the home course advantage and their top player, Naomi Wafula, is the current Africa Junior champion and Kenyan Amateur Stroke Play champion.

“She also did very well at the recent Africa Youth Games in Botswana.

“However, we can only control what we do during the tournament, so our aim will be to support each other and try to give each round our best effort.”

The other competing nations include Botswana, Cameroon, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The trio will carry great form into the country’s title defence at Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi.

Pretoria’s Kruger and Fletcher from KwaZulu-Natal are second and third respectively on the current WGSA Senior Rankings, while Gorlei from the Western Province is ranked sixth on the senior standings and second on the junior rankings.

– Sapa