Shumba clan shines in golf tourney

Brandon Moyo-Zimpapers Sports Hub

THE Shumba clan secured their maiden triumph in the 2024 season of the Mutupo-Isibongo Golf Tournament after the completion of the 11th edition, which took place at Royal Harare Golf Club over the weekend. 

With the Shumba clinching their first title, the Dzivas mounted a strong challenge in the second half of the season, ultimately securing a podium finish. The Dzivas finished in second place, collecting the silver trophy and medals. 

In third place were the Moyos, who took home the bronze trophy and medals as well. 

Tournament director Ephraim Mashingaidze expressed his gratitude for the way the 2024 edition unfolded. He mentioned that this year’s tournament saw significant growth, with some editions being held outside Zimbabwe.

Mashingaidze also noted that they are anticipating further growth in next year’s edition, which will feature the introduction of a schools competition, to be played nationwide. 

“Thank you to Royal Harare Golf Club for hosting the final, as always. It was in pristine condition, and the golfers began teeing off early in the morning as the curtain came down on the 2024 Mutupo-Isibongo golfing season, proudly supported by sponsors Lake Harvest, Surrey Group, and Proton. “The Mutupo-Isibongo brand grew immensely in the 2024 edition, with the tournament being hosted on international fairways in Warwickshire, UK. We anticipate further growth with the introduction of the schools competition category in the 2025 calendar and beyond,” said Mashingaidze. 

Mashingaidze believes that incorporating schools into the tournament will play a crucial role in passing the cultural concept to younger generations, while also steering them away from drug and substance abuse. 

“The brand has such a rich cultural heritage and educational content that we all agreed to engage schools through this unique golf tournament brand. We believe that passing on the Mutupo-Isibongo cultural concept to the next generation will greatly assist in promoting respect, peace, and abstinence from drug abuse among the youth,” he said. There are 22 totems (Mitupos/Izibongo) associated with golfers in Zimbabwe. The Mutupo-Isibongo is a distinctive golf initiative that celebrates culture and identity through sport. It is an event where golfers compete based on their totems. 

In an effort to make the tournament more inclusive, organisers incorporated Zodiac signs last year, aiming to encourage golfers from diverse backgrounds to participate and help grow the brand. The animal signs were used to accommodate all golfers willing to participate in the tournament. The 12 signs were matched with their corresponding animal signs to the totems that take part in this unique golf event.