The national golf team is today afternoon expected to travel to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia aboard an Ethiopian Airways flight ahead of the 18th edition of the East African Golf Challenge slated for October 27-30.

Leonard Nkurunziza, the team captain, is full of confidence heading into the tournament and believes the team has a chance to put an end to an 11-year title drought.

"We are in great shape following extensive preparations ahead of this year’s edition, we received support from officials and they have been behind us throughout preparations which boosted our confidence,” Nkurunziza said in an interview with Times Sport.

He further noted, "Looking at the form of every player and the mood in our camp, there is no doubting we can re-write history at this year’s showpiece. Our aim is to win this title, we know all the teams will come determined but we know our strengths and we intend to fully exploit them.”

The eight players that will represent the country include; Emmanuel Nkurunziza, Aloys Nsabimana, Leonard Nkurunziza (team captain), Francois Habimana, Celestin Nsanzuwera, James Ndikumana, Emmanuel Rutayisire, and Aphrodis Nyirinkwaya.

Officials travelling with the team manager include; Louis Kamanzi (president, Kigali Golf Club), Andrew Nkwandi (president, Rwanda Golf Union and head of delegation), Dr Davis Kashaka (captain, Kigali Golf Club and incoming president of the East African Golf Union) and Steven Rwabika, a fan.

Rwanda has been a regular participant in the region’s premium tournament since 2005 when Rwanda Golf Union was incorporated into the East African Golf Federation.

However, they are yet to win the competition that attracts the finest among amateur golfers from the region.

The East African Golf Challenge attracts Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and Ethiopia. It is staged on a rotational basis across member countries.

This will be the first time Ethiopia will be hosting it. Kenya has won it a record 11 times while defending champions Uganda have won it times.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw