By KPC Sports Reporter
The Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing shifts to VetLab Sports Club for the Kabete Challenge, set for June 14–16, following the conclusion of the NCBA Royal Classic at Royal Nairobi Golf Club.
The third leg of the 2026/27 season has attracted a strong field of 70 players from 10 countries, highlighting the Tour’s growing regional depth and international appeal. Competitors from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Ivory Coast, India, the United Kingdom and the United States will battle for a share of the KES 1.5 million prize purse, alongside crucial Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), and Order of Merit points.
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Kenya’s challenge will be led by Daniel Nduva of Nyali Golf & Country Club, who arrives in Kabete in red-hot form after clinching his maiden Sunshine Development Tour title at the NCBA Royal Classic earlier this week.
He faces stiff competition from a strong local lineup that includes John Lejirma, Greg Snow, Dismas Indiza, David Wakhu, CJ Wangai, Samuel Njoroge, Jastas Madoya, Abraham Galgalo, Nelson Mudanyi, and Erick Ooko.
Rwanda’s hopes will rest on season-opening winner and current Order of Merit leader Celestin Nsanzuwera, joined by compatriots Nsabimana Aloys and Emile Nshimyuremyi. Uganda brings a formidable squad led by consistent performer Abraham Ainamani, alongside Gaita Rodell, Philip Kasozi, and lady professional Grace Kasango.
Nigeria once again fields a strong contingent, featuring Sunday Olapade, who finished tied second at Royal Nairobi, alongside Francis Epe, Ajayi Tajudeen, Ideriah Solomon, and Eze Monday. Ghana’s challenge comes through Ezekiel Afisco, while Ivory Coast is represented by Richard Kouame and Kouassi Jean-Romaric Djezou.
The international lineup includes Americans Andrew Proctor and Gabriel Cruz, England’s Elliot Bradley, and India’s junior prospect Mitansh Thacker, further boosting the tournament’s global flavour.
In the ladies’ category, Kenya’s Naom Wafula, Joyce Wanjiru, and Margaret Njoki will compete alongside Tanzania’s Angel Eaton in a mixed field aiming to make their mark.
Tournament Director David Kihara expressed optimism about the growing competitiveness of the Tour, noting the strong start to the season.
“We have had a very exciting start to the season with two highly competitive tournaments at Thika Sports Club and Royal Nairobi Golf Club. The quality of golf has been outstanding, and the fact that we continue to attract players from across Africa and beyond demonstrates the growing stature of the Sunshine Development Tour,” said Kihara.
“VetLab has always produced quality competition, and we expect another exciting week of golf. The race for Order of Merit points is already taking shape, players are chasing world ranking opportunities, and everyone understands how important every tournament is in the journey towards Sunshine Tour progression.”
The Kabete Challenge follows Nduva’s breakthrough victory at Royal Nairobi, where he produced a strong back-nine charge to seal his maiden title. Earlier, Nsanzuwera opened the season with victory at Thika Sports Club, setting up a tightly contested Order of Merit race as the Tour continues its East African swing.
