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Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
A total of 22 teams have so far registered for this year’s Zimbabwe National Army Charities golf tournament that tees off at Harry Allen Golf Club in Bulawayo on Saturday.

The tournament, organised by the ZNA and Bakers Inn, is expected to draw 30 teams made up of four golfers each, including army commanders and captains of industry. Unlike in previous years, this year’s tournament will use the Mexican Hat Ball format.

This will see golfers choosing to play the best ball in the event of a stray shot. They can pick their ball and start from a best ball. That way, participants will have more time to interact.

Spokesperson of the tournament organisers, Lieutenant-Colonel Fabion Chitungo, said registration was impressive.

“We have 22 teams that have confirmed participation in this year’s tournament and we believe that we are still well on course for the 30 teams that we planned for. It’s still achievable as we are looking forward to a field of between 100 to 120 players taking to the greens. A lot of people are willing to partner with us and it’s really humbling. This year it’s bigger in terms of organisation and prizes for players. Bakers Inn chief executive officer Ngoni Mazango will play alongside ZNA Commander Lieutenant-General Philip Valerio Sibanda,” said Chitungo.

Fundraising activities will kick-off tomorrow evening with a dinner dance at Bulawayo Rainbow Hotel.

Chitungo said all proceeds will go to army charities. The army recently completed a state-of-the-art science laboratory at Induna High School at a cost of $375 000, while a secondary school in Mbalabala is in the pipeline and will be built using proceeds from such events as the golf tournament.

The ZNA charities are Tsanga Lodge Convalescent Centre in Nyanga for the rehabilitation of injured soldiers; the Benevolence Fund for the welfare of troops on internal, external and international operations, ZNA Schools Welfare Trust, which has a total of 12 primary and five secondary schools as well as the Widows and Orphans’ Fund that takes care of widows of soldiers before they receive terminal benefits.

Besides the golf tournament, the army also stages a football tournament as well as a horse racing event as part of its fund-raising activities.

@skhumoyo2000