By KPC Sports Reporter
Kenya’s Dismas Indiza and Rwanda’s Celestin Nsanzuwera have secured full playing rights on the Sunshine Tour, marking a major milestone for East African golf.
The pair join compatriot Njoroge Kibugu after an impressive inaugural season of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, which has created a clear pathway to the global professional game.
Nsanzuwera and Indiza clinched their cards after finishing second and third respectively on the Tour’s Order of Merit, capping a highly competitive campaign that showcased the region’s growing talent pool.
The trio will now transition to the Sunshine Tour under special dispensation to compete in the early part of the 2026 season, the “Winter Swing,” running from April to June across Southern Africa.
Their schedule begins with the Mediclinic Invitational in April, followed by a packed calendar that includes the FBC Zim Open, Kit Kat Cash & Carry Pro-Am, SunBet Challenge, Waterfall City Tournament of Champions, Mopani Zambia Open and the KCM Challenge.
Nsanzuwera earned his card after a standout season that included victories in Diani and Kigali, alongside several top-three finishes, to amass 1,317 points. Indiza, who finished third with 753 points, claimed victory in Ruiru and maintained consistent performances throughout the season.
They join Kibugu, the inaugural Order of Merit champion, who won four of the 10 events.
His rapid rise has already been evident on the big stage, having been the only Kenyan to make the cut at the 2026 Magical Kenya Open, where he finished at an impressive six-under par—the best score by a Kenyan in the tournament’s history.
Sunshine Development Tour chairman Peter Gacheru said the step up presents both opportunity and challenge.
“This is where the real test begins. The Winter Swing is competitive, week-in, week-out golf against seasoned Sunshine Tour players,” he said.
“They are not going there to make up the numbers—they have earned their place, and this is their chance to prove that East African golfers can compete and win at that level.”
Nsanzuwera described earning the card as a defining moment.
“This is a big moment for me and for Rwandan golf. The Sunshine Development Tour gave me the platform to compete regularly and improve my game,” he said.
Indiza emphasized the value of consistency.
“It was a long and competitive season, and every event counted. Winning in Ruiru and staying consistent across the other tournaments made the difference,” he noted.
Their elevation underscores the impact of the East Africa Swing, which saw 88 players earn Official World Golf Ranking points in its debut season.
Nsanzuwera recorded the biggest rise globally, climbing 2,981 places, while Indiza jumped 2,483 spots—further evidence of the Tour’s growing influence.