EIGHT Amateur golfers are leading Rwanda’s quest for top honours at the East Africa Challenge Cup golf championship which started yesterday with first round singles duels at the Great Rift Valley Golf Resort in Naivasha, Kenya.

Rwanda is represented by Leonard Nkurunziza, Patrick Uwumukiza, Aphrodis Nyirikwaya, Celestin Habineza, Emmanuel Habineza, Jules Mutesa, Francois Habimana and Nsabimana.

All countries namely; Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and Ethiopia are being represented by teams of eight players each.

Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are strong favourites having brought players most of whom were in last year’s tournament in Burundi.

The Uganda team under the tutelage of Coach Deo Akope is comprised of some top stars like Willy Kitata, Adolf Muhumuza, Philip Kasozi, and youngster Daniel Baguma.

The four-day championship which marks its 15th year is being sponsored by Keroche Industries supported by Mumias Sugar among others.

Last year, Rwanda finished fourth in the 14th East Africa Challenge Trophy held in Burundi after attaining 11.5 points to come behind Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Kenya won the tournament securing the highest points (19) in the history of the regional tournament. Uganda finished second with 13 points, half a point ahead of Tanzania. Hosts Burundi finished last with 9.5 points.