By Gladys Nyirenda
The Ngonis have defeated their Bemba tribal cousins in the Bemba-Ngoni Golf Tournament held at the Kasama Golf Club in Kasama District, Northern Province.
The tournament, which is held to signal the climax of the Ukusefya Pa Ngwena ceremony, saw the Ngoni’s defeat the Bemba’s to defend the trophy they won last year.
Northern Province Permanent Secretary Benard Mpundu, who officiated at the prize-giving ceremony, called on the two tribal cousins to continue fostering the relationship between them through sports.
The permanent secretary said such interactions will help to unify the nation and fight tribalism.
He also used the occasion to urge the leadership of Kasama Golf Club to use the money they have acquired prudently.
Mpundu explained that he is aware that the club has leased land and developers have given them over $50,000 to build a shopping mall.
He said there is a need to see the results of what the golf club management is doing and is planning to do concerning the golf area.
“You cannot be standing on a podium like this if you have 50 thousand dollars as a club. You need to improve your facility. Where is your investment? I am also aware that soon you will be getting money rentals of about 2500 dollars, he said.
Mpundu said there is a need for the golf club leadership to bring back life to the club, like it was when it was being managed by the whites.
And Kasama Golf Club Captain Nictor Chewe thanked the sponsor for the support given towards the hosting of the Bemba-Ngoni Golf Tournament.
He said it could be difficult for the club to host such tournaments without the involvement of the corporate world.
And Chipata Golf Club Captain Christopher Banda hailed the tribal cousinship between the Bemba’s and the Ngoni’s.
Banda said this relationship has not come from nowhere but has a rich, cemented history.
Meanwhile, Bet Kwacha Head of Operations Malala Handila said the company is looking forward to partnering with a lot of local businesses.
She said the company is happy to sponsor the tournament and is looking forward to more tournaments.
And Paramount Chief Chitimukulu, who also attended the prize-giving ceremony encouraged the players to continue uniting the nation through traditional cousinship and sport.
ZANIS.
