The Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing moves to VetLab Sports Club for the Kabete Challenge, scheduled for June 14–16, after the NCBA Royal Classic concluded at Royal Nairobi Golf Club.
The third leg of the 2026/27 season has drawn a strong field of 70 players from 10 countries, underscoring the Tour’s expanding regional strength and international reach. Competitors from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Ivory Coast, India, the United Kingdom and the United States will compete for a share of the KES 1.5 million prize purse, as well as key Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), and Order of Merit points.
Kenya’s campaign will be spearheaded by Daniel Nduva of Nyali Golf & Country Club, who heads to Kabete in excellent form after winning his first Sunshine Development Tour title at the NCBA Royal Classic earlier this week.
He will be challenged by a deep home contingent 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 expectations will centre on season-opening winner and current Order of Merit leader Celestin Nsanzuwera, who is joined by compatriots Nsabimana Aloys and Emile Nshimyuremyi. Uganda has brought a strong team led by consistent performer Abraham Ainamani, alongside Gaita Rodell, Philip Kasozi, and professional golfer Grace Kasango.
Nigeria again presents a powerful group, including Sunday Olapade, who finished tied second at Royal Nairobi, as well as Francis Epe, Ajayi Tajudeen, Ideriah Solomon, and Eze Monday. Ghana’s bid is led by Ezekiel Afisco, while Ivory Coast is represented by Richard Kouame and Kouassi Jean-Romaric Djezou.
The overseas field includes Americans Andrew Proctor and Gabriel Cruz, England’s Elliot Bradley, and India’s junior prospect Mitansh Thacker, adding further international strength to the tournament.
In the ladies’ category, Kenya’s Naom Wafula, Joyce Wanjiru, and Margaret Njoki will compete alongside Tanzania’s Angel Eaton in a mixed field seeking to make an impact.
Tournament Director David Kihara said the Tour’s growing competitiveness was clear after a promising start to the season.
“We have had a very exciting start to the season with two highly competitive tournaments at Thika Sports Club and Royal Nairobi Golf Club. The standard of golf has been excellent, and the continued arrival of players from across Africa and beyond reflects the Sunshine Development Tour’s growing stature,” said Kihara.
“VetLab has always staged quality competition, and we expect another exciting week of golf. The race for Order of Merit points is already taking shape, players are pursuing world ranking opportunities, and everyone understands the importance of every tournament on the path toward Sunshine Tour progression.”
The Kabete Challenge comes after Nduva’s breakthrough win at Royal Nairobi, where he delivered a strong back-nine charge to secure his first title. Earlier, Nsanzuwera began the season with victory at Thika Sports Club, setting up a closely contested Order of Merit race as the Tour continues its East African swing.