Over 200 players expected at the inaugural Fund Managers Association Golf Challenge

From Left- Trade and Development Bank (TDB) Group President and Managing Director Admassu Tadesse, Fund Managers Association CEO Fred Mburu, TDB Senior Advisor Wegoki Mugeni, FMA Vice Chairman Nicholas Ithondeka and the FMA Chairman Anthony Mwithiga during the launch of the FMA High Tea Social and Golf Challenge in Nairobi at the weekend. [Jonah Onyango,Standard]

Fred Mburu and Nicholas Ithondeka are among the over 200 players sharpening their claws for the inaugural Fund Managers Association (FMA) High Tea Social and Golf Challenge set for par 72 Karen Country Club in Nairobi on December 6.

The duo is determined to put their best foot forward in the tournament that seeks to raise funds to support underprivileged students, especially women who are pursuing skills to become professionals in their fields.

"I hope to carry the day, I will head to the pitch to show other players how it's done as we aim to support this charitable competition which I believe is for a worthy cause," remarked Mburu, who is also the FMA Chief Executive Officer, during the high-profile launch held in Nairobi at the weekend.

"I'm a bit rusty for now, but I have started stepping up my game. I have been off course for a couple of months now due to work commitments.

"For the next two weeks, I'm going to camp at my home club, Royal Nairobi Golf Club, as I practice to remove all the cobwebs ahead of the tournament," highlighted handicap 18 Mburu.

Ruiru and Vet Lab Sports Club based Ithondeka is also leaving no stone unturned in his preparation ahead of the benevolent contest that has been funded by FMA partners Trade and Development Bank (TDB) Group to a tune of USD 10,000 (Sh1.3 Million.)

"I will also be at Karen to practice for a couple of days to familiarize myself with the course before the tournament," remarked Ithondeka who plays off handicap 28.

"I feel I need to rectify my tee-shots. I want them to be so powerful that they can go plus 300-yards. I believe this will give me a due advantage over other contestants.

"I'm aiming for a podium finish so my target in the tournament is to score over 40 points," said Ithondeka who is also the Co-Op Trust Investment Services Limited Managing Director.

Others expected to battle on the course are TDB Group President Admassu Tadesse and FMA CEO Anthony Mwithiga.

"I look forward to playing but this will also depend on my business schedule. I need to work on my core muscles and the swings before the tournament," Admassu underlined, adding that, "As the inaugural sponsors of this event, we feel honored since this worthy cause is in line with our vision and mission statement which is to make communities' lives better."

While highlighting the inaugural tournament, Mburu said the championship is a ground breaking moment in the Kenyan golfing industry as it ignites passion at the same time building the future for women.

"The cause is going to change lives. It is going to offer scholarship opportunities to bright ladies by supporting them in their exams.

"We also believe in the power of diversity, the inclusion and the resilience of women, so I urge Kenyans to come forward in large numbers, register for the tournament, swing those golf clubs as we aim to change lives for the better," Mburu stated.

Wegoki Mugeni, TDB Senior Advisor, welcomed the championship saying she is a product of such noble opportunities extended to her when she was beginning her career.

"Through this cause, we will see a steady influx of women investors in various financial fields around the country as they also uphold the highest professional standards," said Mugeni.