THE second edition of the Ngezi Platinum Stars Golf Day was a resounding success after a record 148 golfers took part in the tournament at a Harare golf course on Friday, underlining the 2023 Zimbabwe champions’ growing commitment to using the sport to engage stakeholders and raise funds.
The turnout was a significant increase from the 92 golfers who participated in last year’s inaugural edition, making the event one of the club’s major annual corporate engagements.
Combined Technical Services (CTS) pair Bridget Mananavire and Oscar Rufaro Chinyani emerged winners with 49 points. Mananavire played off a 27 handicap, while Chinyani had a 24 handicap.
They finished two points clear of Louis Mabiza and Rutherford Tembo, who settled for second place on 47 points.
CTS is a Zimplats LED company operating from Ngezi and Msasa, providing specialised engineering solutions to the mining, construction and industrial sectors.
Ngezi Platinum Stars are among the few football clubs in Zimbabwe to have embraced golf as a fundraising platform while also creating an opportunity to interact with corporate partners and other stakeholders.
The tournament also provided an opportunity for the club’s senior men’s team to unwind and receive some golf lessons ahead of their trip to Mutare, where they face Manica Diamonds today.
The women’s team and men’s Under-19 side also graced the occasion, while former club president Wadzanayi Mutsakanyi, chief executive officer Amanda Lieto and respected football administrator Rumbidzayi Muyambuki, who is also part of the club’s executive, were among the guests.
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The event also formed part of the club’s celebrations of 25 years of existence and 10 years in top-flight football.
In a speech read on his behalf by vice-president technical Mufulatelwa Gumbi, club president Lysius Chiwozva thanked the club’s corporate partners and sponsors for their continued support.
“Your presence here is far more than a gesture of support. It is a clear demonstration of the confidence and trust that you continue to place in the vision of the Ngezi Platinum Stars Football Club,” he said.
Chiwozva said the success of last year’s inaugural tournament had strengthened the club’s resolve to continue with the initiative.
“Last year’s inaugural tournament was met with tremendous enthusiasm and encouragement. That support strengthened our resolve, affirmed our purpose, and reminded us that this club belongs not only to those who manage it, but also to the community it represents,” he said.
He said the club’s vision went beyond football and included creating opportunities, nurturing talent and inspiring hope in the community.
“This year is particularly significant for us as we celebrate 25 years of existence as a club and 10 years of competing at the highest level locally, which is the Premier League,” Chiwozva said.
He added that the club remained focused on building a strong future, including returning to the continental stage.
“Our ambition is not only to compete at the highest level domestically, but also to strengthen our presence on the continental stage,” he said.
Chiwozva also highlighted the club’s football academy near Ngezi, saying it was designed to provide young people with a pathway towards personal growth, discipline and opportunity through sport.
“Let me be clear here, the Ngezi Platinum Stars initiative is anchored in corporate and social investment. It is not, it has never been, a commercial venture. At its heart, it is a commitment to serving our community and creating opportunities for present and future generations,” he said.
Masimba Holdings marketing executive Itai Magande said the company was proud to be associated with the tournament, which came as the business celebrates 75 years in operation.
“We are honoured to be sponsors for the Ngezi Platinum Stars Annual Golf Day. It’s such a privilege and honour to be the sponsors because this opportunity came at the right time as we are celebrating our 75th anniversary in business as Masimba Holdings,” Magande said.
“The journeys of Ngezi Platinum Stars and that of Masimba are quite similar because the two share certain values which are teamwork, resilience and discipline. So, cheers to many more years of being partners and cheers to many more years of growth.”
Masimba Holdings were the platinum sponsors, while Cell Insurance were the silver sponsors.
Other sponsors included Verify Engineering, Firstlink Brokers, Lysavay Enterprises, Moonlight, Redan, Hyundai, Amcotts, Peace Security, Real Star Security, Drip Tech, Pro Plastics and I’m Healthy.
Mananavire, who celebrated victory with her fourball, thanked the organisers and fellow golfers for making the day memorable.
“It was indeed a wonderful day and we got to enjoy the game,” she said.
