Celestin Nsanzuwera/ HANDOUT
Rwanda’s Celestin Nsanzuwera believes holding his nerves was the secret to his commanding victory at the fifth leg of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa swing, the SportsBiz Africa Golf Championship in Kigali.
Carrying the weight of home expectations, the 27-year-old closed his final round with a steady 2-under par 70 to finish on an impressive 15-under par 201, sealing the crown by a comfortable five-stroke margin. His closing round featured birdies on the 1st, 2nd, 8th, 16th and 18th, tempered by bogeys on the 2nd, 11th and 13th.
Despite being under pressure, Nsanzuwera said that focus saw him carry the day. “This win means a lot to me, especially here at home in Kigali. There was pressure, but I stayed focused on my game plan and trusted the preparation I’ve put in," the Rwandan said. Nsanzuwera said that he is growing with each game he competes in.
"The birdie on 18 was a special moment, in front of the fans, and it gave me a lot of pride to deliver this win for Rwanda. Having competed in every leg of this Tour so far, I feel my game is growing stronger with each event, and this victory gives me confidence heading into the next legs," he added. The triumph earned him Sh646,492 (USD 5,000) from the Sh3.2 million (USD 25,000) purse.
South Africa’s Adam Breen produced the round of the day, firing a flawless 6-under par 66 to snatch second place at 10-under par 206. His charge included birdies on the first, sixth, eighth, 13th, 17th and 18th holes. He pocketed Sh345,873 (USD 2,675).
“Today was one of those rounds where everything clicked. I gave myself a lot of chances and managed to convert on the back nine to put some pressure on the leader," Breen said. Compatriot Haydn Porteous, a two-time DP World Tour winner and 2015 Kenya Open champion, settled for third on 8-under par 208 after a tidy 2-under par 70. His round mixed birdies on the 4th, 7th, 12th and 13th with dropped shots on the 8th, 14th and 15th. He collected Sh234,030 (USD 1,810).
Uganda’s Gaita Rodell and South Africa’s Travis Procter shared fourth at 7-under par 209 after consistent three-day performances. Kenya’s Eric Ooko flew the Kenyan flag highest, finishing sixth on 6-under par 210, while compatriots Greg Snow and John Wangai also cracked the top 10 with a tie for eighth on 4-under par 212. Among the amateurs, Kenya’s Michael Karanga and John Lejirma shone brightest, finishing tied for 12th on 1-under par 215, further proof of the depth of emerging talent in the region.
