Consulate General of the South African High Commission, Prof. Bobby Moroe, has described the golf tournament organised by the consulate at the Ikoyi Club 1938, at the weekend, as an event that will build friendships and bond businesses from the countries better.
Moroe said that the tournament, christened South African Cup, would foster good relationships among top businessmen from South Africa and Nigeria, adding that since the maiden event held last year, the Consulate have had good feedback and intend to keep it as part of the South African week going forward.
Organised to make 30 years of freedom and democracy in South Africa and an unbroken diplomatic relationship with Nigeria, the South African Cup featured 93 amateur golfers in a one-day Stableford tournament.
At the end of competition, Ashish Gajjar and Ambassador Pauline Onafowokan came out tops in male and female categories.
Gajjar returned 41 Stableford points to top the men’s order, while Onafowokan blazed through her round with 37 points.
Speaking after the event, Chief Executive of Crossflex International, Tolu Adesemowo, said: “The two countries have more ties that bind them together than any other African countries, and this event was set up to see ways of strengthening the ties through the game of golf.
“It has been a success from the start and that is why all parties are looking forward to the event and taking its impact further from the golf course.”
Vice-Captain of the Golf Section, Babatunde Oni, on his part, said it was an honour hosting the strategic diplomatic event, adding that the golfers and businesses across the countries are better for it.
“This event helps Nigeria and South African businessmen represented here to align better and as a representative of the present execute members of the club, it is our job to provide the atmosphere needed to achieve this.”
On behalf of the captain, I say this event will continue to receive our support,” he said.
Also among the winners were Prakash Keswani, who won the surprise of the 30th position price at the event, Linda Obieze and Funmi Omo, who returned 36 and 34 stableford points to pick the second and third positions in the women’s class, as well as Uyi Osemwenge and Olubanwo Latilo, who posted 40 and 39 to pick the men’s second and third positions.
