Golfers fired up ahead of Youth Games

Calistus Kolantsho | Thursday May 8, 2014 10:03

 

He said they cannot wait for the games to begin. The Selebi-Phikwe based Pearmain moved to Gaborone in February as preparations intensified. Marudu said specialists from South Africa took the players through the technical and physiological aspects of the game.

The experts have visited Botswana three times to prepare the players. He said that as part of preparations, Pearmain participated in the South Africa Amateur Open in Cape Town, the North West Open and Zone Six competitions where he excelled.

Mangole and Pearmain have taken part in the All-Africa Junior Challenge in Lusaka, Zambia this year. Marudu pointed out that after the tournament, the players improved by 46 shots.  “During the tournament, Pearmain finished in position four, after losing to two South Africans and a Ugandan.

It was a good performance because there were 48 players in the event. Pearmain scored one over par in a difficult course, which is not an easy thing to do,” said Marudu. He gave credit to Mangole as a fast learner with the ability to continue fighting even under pressure.  The team coach, Mpho Kelosiwang is satisfied with the preparations. He described the players as the best any national team has ever had.

“We didn’t want money to be an issue hence Botswana Golf Union (BGU) had to shelve some of its activities and channel all the resources to prepare the team.

Africa Youth Games are an opportunity for golf to prove that it can win medals (for the country),” said Kelosiwang.

He expects his charges to get a tough challenge from South Africa, Kenya and Zimbabwe. Mangole, a student at Gaborone Senior Secondary School said he was ready for the competition. Pearmain, who has represented Botswana at both senior and junior levels, said he would use his experience to win a medal. He said that he has been exposed to different types of play and courses and this puts him in a good position to excel.

Coach: Mpho Kelosiwang 

Team manager: Joe Marudu 

About Pearmain: The 18 year old golfer has spent most of his life in Selibe Phikwe. He is a winner of several local titles including the Central Open, Open Orange Classics 2012 and Makgadikgadi Open. He is touted as the next best thing from golf in the country, having already played for the senior squad on several occasions. Pearman's handicap is 10.

Venue: Gaborone Golf Club

Number of holes: 54