Golfer eyes Zone VI

MONKAGEDI GAOTLHOBOGWE
Correspondent | Friday April 13, 2007 00:00

 

This year the country will field seven golfers for the regional tournament with a dose of youth as the Botswana Golf Union (BGU) presses forward with its initiative of introducing young players to the international stage. In the Zone VI team, veterans Marudu, Diane Lucas, Peter Podise and Mpho Kelosiwang have been blended with the youthful talents of schoolboy Mpho Orapeleng, 21-year-old Murcus Smith, Phenyo Lekgoa and Ishmael Nfila. Lekgoa, a product of BGU's caddy development programme will be making his second appearance at the tournament after his debut in Swaziland last year.

 

The talented Podise was once hailed as a future star when he made his international debut in the 1990s but his frequent and long lay-offs have perhaps affected his game. Marudu hopes Podise would play a big role in helping the team attain its goal in Uganda. 'He is very talented. Even when he comes back into the sport after a long rest, he still shows some amazing talent. He is one of our best and he has played several times in the Zone VI,' said Marudu.

 

Once in the 1980s, the Botswana team - a mix of foreigners and locals - finished second in the tournament.

At 55, Marudu does not think he is too old for golf. In fact he says he remembers a few years back playing against a 62-year-old golfer from Zimbabwe.

 

'He was unstoppable even at that age. I think our boys should beat us to prove they are of age. If they can't beat us, then they are not ready. This is not to mean that I do not support youth empowerment. Only those who are very good, who can upstage us should be in the team, they must earn their stripes,' says the man who has captained the national team on several occasions.