Mandala bows out as Blantyre golf captain

Donbell Mandala on Saturday bid farewell as Blantyre Sports Club (BSC) golf captain when he presided over the Captain’s Prize that attracted over 40 golfers.

He gave a brief speech before handing over the mantle to his successor Medson Kalambule.

“It has been a wonderful 12 months, special thanks to you all for your support. It was a fantastic year for me and as I bow out, I wish the new captain and his committee all the best. I have no doubt that they will take the game of golf to new heights,” said Mandala amid applause.

Kalambule paid tribute to his predecessor describing him as ‘captain fantastic’.

“He was committed and I learnt quite a lot from him. As we start a new chapter, we look forward to his support,” said Kalambule who, as per tradition, was given a grey necktie by Mandala signifying his new role.

BSC board of directors chairperson Eric Chapola hailed Mandala for a job well done during his tenure.

“He has done extremely well. As captain, you take a lot of pressure and ridicule that comes along the way,” said Chapola who presented a special gift to Mandala.

During the competition, Mulanje-based Jones Katangwe was the overall winner with 34 points while veteran Lucy Ganiza came out tops in the ladies category with 31 points.

Katangwe thanked his playing partners, saying: “I think we enjoyed ourselves out there.”

Nyakhokho Nsona was the runner-up in the men’s category with 33 points while Victor Mhango finished third on 34 points. Sam Mwale was fourth on 32 points.

In the ladies category, the runner-up was Teri Amaro with 30 points whereas Diana Kambale was third on 28 points.

Paul Chidale had longest drives on holes 6 and 17 while Harold Lungu had it on hole 13.

Nearest to the pin on hole 10 was Beatrice Mangwana, nearest to the pin in two on hole 14 was Kambale. John Gift-Mwakhwawa was nearest to the pin in two on hole 15.

R. Araujo was nearest to the pin on hole 5, Dan Makata on hole 1 while Chapola was nearest to the pin on hole 12.

BSC golf vice-captain Hudson Kantwanje and Ganiza had two clubs each.

The main sponsors of the event were J & J Construction, Macsteel, Malswitch and United General Insurance.