Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s women’s national golf team put up a spirited performance to finish third overall at the 2025 East and Central Africa All Africa Challenge Trophy (EACAACT), held at the picturesque Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort in Naivasha, Kenya.
The championship, organized by the Kenya Ladies Golf Union (KLGU), attracted elite golfers from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Rwanda, Madagascar, and Reunion, competing over three days on one of Africa’s most scenic and demanding golf courses. Team Tanzania was represented by Neema Olomi, Vicky Elias, Shufaa Twalib, and Khadija Suleiman, under the management of Yasmin Chali, Secretary General of the Tanzania Ladies Golf Union (TLGU) and TLGU president Queen Siraki.
After three rounds of intense play, Tanzania returned a total of 460 strokes, placing third behind Reunion, who scored 445, and Kenya, who were crowned champions with 443 strokes. Despite narrowly missing out on defending their 2023 title, Tanzania’s campaign produced several highlights, most notably the emergence of youngster Shufaa Twalib, whose breakthrough performance marked her as the country’s next big name in women’s golf.
Recently promoted from the Under-18 junior squad, Shufaa impressed on her senior debut by carding a total of 242 strokes, finishing ninth overall in the individual standings. Her steady improvement over the three days drew attention as she struggled on the opening day with 85 strokes but bounced back with 79 on day two and 78 in the final round, ending the tournament with a respectable +29 score.
“I believe I can do even better if I continue to get opportunities to compete in international tournaments,” said Shufaa, who plays for Lugalo Golf Club in Dar es Salaam. Her consistent showing, combined with the leadership of experienced teammate Neema Olomi, was crucial in securing Tanzania’s top-three finish.
Top golfer Neema Olomi once again demonstrated her quality, finishing second overall in the individual category with a total of 220 strokes, just five behind Melliyal Schmit of Reunion, who took top honours. Olomi began the tournament strongly, shooting 72 on the first day, followed by 76 on day two, and closing with another solid 72 in the final round.
Her overall +4 score ranked among the best in the tournament and just slightly above professional standards. “If my teammates and I had managed slightly better results, I believe Tanzania could have successfully defended our title,” said Olomi, who represents Arusha Gymkhana Club.
For golf enthusiasts, Olomi’s performance came as no surprise, as she has consistently been one of Tanzania’s standout players both locally and regionally. However, the revelation of Shufaa Twalib brought fresh excitement and optimism for the future of women’s golf in Tanzania.
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