Kassam stuns golfers with NBS Bank Mug triumph

Shabir Kassam put up a stellar performance on Saturday to win the NBS Bank Monthly Mug at Country Club Limbe (CCL). His first title win.

Entering the greens for a tee off with a handicap 18, Kassam was not someone that the 65-strong field feared as a potential title contender, but his sublime strokes were as powerful and effective as a pebble that David used to kill Goliath.

He gorged himself on two birdies and three pars to emerge a victor with nett 68 as handicap 8 Ronwell Malikita struggled to count out Steven Chanje to the third slot on nett 69.

“This is incredible! His (Kassam’s) handicap should be enhanced immediately,” one of the golfers shouted soon after CCL captain Gilbert Chirwa announced Kassam the winner.

Kassam, who summed up his remarkable form with a par putt on the last hole, found himself among the seven two-club winners that included Chanje, Titus Nnensa and Felix Mlusu, described his performance as his best since he joined the sport in February last year.

“I thank God, my playing partners and the sponsors for the support. It was not easy to win with such a weak handicap,” he said before expressing gratitude to Salim Panjwani for teaching him golf.

Margaret Mukhwena was also on song on the sun-baked day as she won the title in the four-player ladies’ category with nett 68 as well. Charity Mwachilira came second with nett 73 whereas Stella Hara took the third position with nett 80.

NBS Bank marketing manager Timothy Ngwira took advantage of the good turnout to remind golfers about their offers on the local financial market.

“We invite you to invest your money with us. We offer 23 percent interest rates on K500 000 (about $1 666) you deposit, but it becomes negotiable for increased rates if you put in more cash,” said Ngwira.