Ngezendore and Team Clinch 2025 KCB East Africa Golf Tour Title at Karen

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Team Burundi delivered a masterclass performance to claim the 2025 Kenya Commercial Bank East Africa Golf Tour Grand Finale title at Karen Country Club on Friday, December 5, 2025 evening, returning an impressive 118 points to secure the regional crown.

The quartet of Salvatore Ngezendore, Alexis Kibwimana, Brian Rasquinha, and Larissa Ninahazwe held their nerve on the demanding par-72 course, edging out Kericho Club, whose team of Ignatius Ngetich, Ngetich Cheruiyot, Judy Chebon, and Debra Koske carded 116 points to finish runners-up.

Speaking moments after being crowned champions, team captain Salvatore Ngezendore praised their strategy and teamwork.

“We came in with a very clear strategy to stay consistent, stay calm, and trust each other’s strengths. The course was challenging, but we had prepared well. Winning this title shows what commitment can achieve, and our next step is to keep training together so we can represent Burundi even better on bigger stages,” he said.

The victory earned Team Burundi Ksh1 million, earmarked for a sustainability initiative at their home club, further strengthening their contribution to the growth of golf in Burundi.

The team will also receive full sponsorship from KCB to participate in a prestigious golf tournament in Dubai.

KCB group chief executive officer Paul Russo lauded the success of the tour, noting its impact across the region.

“This has been one of our most transformative sports programs. Reaching over 3,000 participants and more than 2,000 juniors speaks to the power of investing in community sports. We are proud of the golfers who have grown through this platform and even prouder of the regional unity it continues to build,” he said.

In the individual categories, Francis Odhiambo emerged as the overall winner with a remarkable 46 points. Eliud Siganga secured the men’s title on 41 points, ahead of men’s runner-up Nicholas Amayo.

In the ladies’ category, Eleanor Wambui of Nyeri Club clinched victory with 39 points, narrowly beating Njeri Mwangi, who carded 38 points. Victor Odendo claimed the staff winner’s prize with 44 points, while rising junior talent Nathaniel Alimasi dominated his category with 45 points.

The longest drive awards went to David Murima (men) and Njeri Anyango (ladies). Karume Weke won nearest to the pin in the men’s category, while Nanyonga Gloria took the accolade among the ladies.

The Grand Finale concluded a dynamic 30-leg amateur series staged across more than 15 counties in Kenya and four East African nations Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, and Tanzania cementing its reputation as one of the region’s premier grassroots golf development platforms.

KCB Bank’s footprint in sports in terms of support in the country is expansive and cuts across various sports disciplines.

The bank has its sports brand assets as the KCB Women Volleyball Club, (KCB Football Club, and KCB Rugby Football Club, besides other sports including Chess, athletics, and golf.

The long-standing tradition of sponsoring major sporting events in the country has seen the Bank pump millions of shillings in sponsorships over the years.