GENATOR Eleven Kambizi’s absence was keenly felt at the Patron’s Footgolf Tournament in Bindura last weekend after illness kept the Mashonaland Central patron away from the green.
The event nevertheless proceeded at Bindura Golf Club, with organisers and players pushing ahead despite his absence.
Kambizi had been hospitalised days before the tournament with a serious condition, casting doubt over the competition. However, in a show of resilience, the event went ahead as scheduled.
The Bindura tournament marked Zimbabwe’s third national footgolf showcase in three months, following two successful events in Kadoma — a sign of the sport’s growing momentum and organisational strength.
“The man, my father, is obsessed with footgolf,” said Tadiwa Kambizi, speaking on behalf of the senator. “He was demanding to be discharged from the hospital just to be here. He is seriously ill, but his heart is on this course.”
In a message read to players, the senator urged discipline and fair play.
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“Let’s apply fair play and follow the rules as if we are in Mexico. This tournament is being followed by footgolfers around the world,” he said.
Kambizi also promised to host another tournament to celebrate his recovery.
“The tournament will be dubbed ‘Welcome Back From Heaven, Mr. Patron,’ to celebrate that I have returned with new skills from the Almighty,” he wrote, adding that he intended to personally fund a follow-up tournament anywhere in Zimbabwe.
More than 60 players took part in the Bindura event, highlighting the sport’s growing appeal.
Mashonaland Central Sports and Recreation Commission coordinator James Maganga praised organisers for nurturing junior talent.
“Footgolf is on the right track. I especially want to thank Mr Chuwe for bringing students from Chiwaradzo Primary School. The sport is in safe hands,” he said.
Zimbabwe Footgolf president Daniel Kuwengwa said strong junior participation was key to the sport’s long-term sustainability.
Despite the patron’s absence, the successful Bindura tournament underscored the steady rise of footgolf in Zimbabwe.