The Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing shifts to VetLab Sports Club this weekend for the Kabete Challenge, the third event of the 2026/27 season, scheduled to run from June 14 to 16.
A strong field of 70 golfers drawn from 10 countries is expected to tee it up in the tournament, highlighting the growing stature of the regional circuit as it continues to attract players from across Africa and beyond.
Competitors from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Ivory Coast, India, the United Kingdom and the United States will battle for a share of the KES 1.5 million prize fund, alongside crucial Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) and Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit points.
Fresh from securing his maiden Sunshine Development Tour victory at the NCBA Royal Classic at Royal Nairobi Golf Club, Nyali Golf and Country Club professional Daniel Nduva will be among the headline acts in Kabete.
Nduva will be seeking back-to-back victories against a formidable local line-up that includes John Lejirma, Greg Snow, Dismas Indiza, David Wakhu, CJ Wangai, Samuel Njoroge, Jastas Madoya, Abraham Galgalo, Nelson Mudanyi and Erick Ooko.
Rwanda’s Celestin Nsanzuwera, winner of the season-opening tournament at Thika Sports Club, returns as one of the leading contenders.
The Rwandan currently tops the Order of Merit standings and will be joined by compatriots Nsabimana Aloys and Emile Nshimyumuremyi.
Uganda’s challenge will be led by Abraham Ainamani, one of the most consistent performers on the Tour so far this season. He will be accompanied by Gaita Rodell, Philip Kasozi and lady professional Grace Kasango.
Nigeria once again fields a strong squad featuring Sunday Olapade, who finished tied second at Royal Nairobi, Sunshine Development Tour West Africa Qualifying School champion Francis Epe, Ajayi Tajudeen, Ideriah Solomon and Eze Monday.
Other international competitors include Ghana’s Ezekiel Afisco, Ivory Coast duo Richard Kouame and Kouassi Jean-Romaric Djezou, American professionals Andrew Proctor and Gabriel Cruz, England’s Elliot Bradley and Indian junior Mitansh Thacker.
The women’s field will feature Kenyan golfers Naomi Wafula, Joyce Wanjiru and Margaret Njoki alongside Tanzania’s Angel Eaton as they seek to challenge for top honours in the mixed competition.
Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing Tournament Director David Kihara said the opening events of the season had produced quality golf and intensified the battle for ranking points and Tour progression opportunities.
“We have enjoyed a very competitive start to the season, with strong fields and excellent performances in both Thika and Nairobi. The continued participation of players from across Africa and overseas reflects the growth and appeal of the Tour,” said Kihara.
“VetLab has a reputation for producing exciting competition and we expect another closely contested tournament. With players chasing ranking points and positions on the Order of Merit, every event is becoming increasingly important.”
The Kabete Challenge follows an exciting NCBA Royal Classic where Nduva mounted a spirited back-nine charge to claim his first Sunshine Development Tour title.
Earlier in the season, Nsanzuwera opened his campaign with victory at Thika Sports Club, setting up what promises to be a tightly contested race for honours as the Tour progresses through the East Africa Swing calendar.
