Excitement is building ahead of the African Region IV Men’s Team Championship, set to tee off from 2nd to 6th June 2026 at the prestigious Tamarina Golf Club in Mauritius. The tournament will bring together the region’s finest amateur male golfers for a thrilling contest of precision, teamwork, and national pride.
The Kenya Golf Union (KGU) has unveiled a strong four-man squad to represent the country, with preparations already underway under the guidance of Coach Ali Khimji. Selected based on merit from the KAGC rankings and junior standings, the team blends youthful energy with seasoned experience.
Leading the side is team captain Junaid Ayaz Manji, currently ranked second on the KAGC leaderboard. The 18-year-old has enjoyed an impressive run, including victory at the NCBA Sigona Bowl and playing a key role in Kenya’s triumph at the Victoria Cup 2026 in Entebbe. He also captained the national junior team to a runner-up finish at the All-Africa Junior Team Championship earlier this year, securing qualification for the Toyota World Championship in Japan. Notably, Junaid was part of the squad that secured Kenya’s fourth consecutive Region IV title in 2025.
Joining him is Kamoza Longwe, ranked fourth, who has been steadily rising through the ranks with multiple top-10 finishes and a breakthrough win at the Ulinzi Inaugural Open. This marks his first appearance on the international stage, and he will be eager to make an impact.
Rafael Leming’ani, ranked fifth, brings valuable experience and consistency. The 34-year-old began the year with a win at the NCBA Mt. Kenya Championship and has long been a dependable presence in Kenyan golf, including representing the country at previous regional events.
Completing the squad is 16-year-old Mwathi Gicheru, the team’s standout junior. Already making headlines, Mwathi played a decisive role in Kenya’s Victoria Cup victory and impressed at the All-Africa Junior Championship, finishing among the top performers. His rapid rise signals a bright future and adds fresh momentum to the team.
The championship will be contested over 54 holes of stroke play across three rounds, with the best three scores from each team counting toward the daily total. The team with the lowest cumulative score will be crowned champion, while individual honors will also be awarded to the top-performing golfer.
Kenya heads into the tournament with confidence and a formidable legacy, having claimed the title four years in a row. As they prepare to defend their crown, the team carries not only the weight of expectation but also the determination to extend their dominance and inspire the next generation of golfers.
With a blend of talent, discipline, and winning experience, all eyes will be on Team Kenya as they aim to make it five in a row on the fairways of Mauritius.
