By KPC Sports Reporter
South Africa’s national junior team stamped their authority on the opening day of the 2026 All Africa Junior Golf Teams Championships, finishing round one with a commanding lead at the par-72 Windsor Golf and Country Club.
The South Africans, represented by Andries Van Der Vyver, Cilliers Craig, Dewan De Bruin, Roelof Craig, Phenyo Sebata, Lourenda Steyn and Casey Twidale, posted a joint score of eight under par.
Van Der Vyver led the charge with a sparkling four-under 72, the best score of the day, highlighted by birdies on holes three, five, six and nine.
Sebata followed closely with three under par, while De Bruin, despite finishing level, expressed optimism: “It’s my first time in Kenya and I love it here… the course is in great condition. Now I’m focused to play good golf in the last two days and just enjoy myself.”
Kenya, buoyed by home support, secured second place with a combined score of 11 over par.
Sixteen-year-old Tsevi Soni was the standout performer, carding level par 72 after recovering from an early bogey with a birdie on hole three.
“I had a pretty good starting round, but it could have definitely been a lot better. No many mistakes today, I hit the ball well, putted well, chipped well. I can’t complain,” Soni said, adding that he hopes to avoid dropped shots in the remaining rounds.
Teammates Junaid Ayaz Manji (one over par 73) and Bianca Ngechu (three over par) also impressed, with Ngechu noting the challenge of wet conditions: “The front nine was raining and I really struggled with my putting, but in the second nine, my putting was much better.”
Kanana Muthomi, meanwhile, finished four over par, citing difficulties with sandy greens.
Namibia closed the day in third place on 27 over, followed by Morocco (+29), Tanzania (+35), and Uganda, Zimbabwe and Côte d’Ivoire tied at +37. Egypt struggled at the bottom of the leaderboard with 87 over par.
Tournament Director James Ondigo praised the quality of play: “We have witnessed some beautiful golf today and expect even better golf in the final two days.
The event has attracted 89 players from 14 countries and Kenya has so far given a good account of themselves.”
Leaderboard After Round One
South Africa -8
Kenya +11
Namibia +27
Morocco +29
Tanzania +35
Uganda +37
Zimbabwe +37
Côte d’Ivoire +37
Botswana +52
Mauritius +54
Tunisia +62
Zambia +70
Ghana +71
Egypt +87