Dunia opens five-shot lead at Kilombero Open

Morogoro, Tanzania-October 9, 2026

Isiaka Dunia of TPDF Lugalo Golf Club made a flying start to the Kilombero Open 2026, opening up a commanding lead after the first round of the 54-hole national tournament at Kilombero Country & Golf Club in Morogoro October 9.

Dunia carded an impressive five-under-par 57 on the par-62 nine-hole course to top the leaderboard, setting the pace in a competitive field featuring golfers from seven clubs across Tanzania.

His performance gave him a five-shot advantage over his nearest challengers, Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club's (DGC) Victor Joseph and Lugalo Golf Club duo Julius James and Ramadhan Yassin, who were tied for second place on two-over-par 64.

Julius James

Ramadhan Yassin

Dunia said he was pleased with his opening-round performance, adding that his approach was to concentrate on his own game rather than worry about his rivals.

“The course is in good condition and the competition is tough, but that is not a problem. I just focus on playing my game without worrying about who I am competing against. For me, it is just me against the course, and that is why I have played well,” he said.

George Sembi of TPC Golf Club occupied fifth position on three-over-par 65, while Lugalo golfers Likuli Juma and Michael Nobert shared sixth place after returning four-over-par 66 each.

Another Lugalo player, Rahim Ally, finished eighth on five-over-par 67, followed by clubmates Onesphory Mhalikwe and Khalid Shemndolwa, who shared ninth place on six-over-par 68.

In a field dominated by male competitors, Vicky Elias of Lugalo and Julius Mwinzani of DGC were among the players sharing 15th place on 11-over-par 73, alongside Kilombero's Ismael Mavhenge.

With two rounds remaining, Dunia will be keen to maintain his momentum and strengthen his grip on the title, while the chasing pack will be looking to cut the deficit when the second-round tees off tomorrow.

The tournament runs from October 9 to 11, with the final round scheduled for Sunday.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Kilombero Country Club Chairman and Kilombero Sugar Growers Director Pierre Redinger said the competition provides an important platform for golfers from different clubs to meet, test their skills and exchange experiences.

“Hosting the Kilombero Golf Open gives us an opportunity to bring together golfers from different clubs, strengthen competition and encourage more people to discover the sport,” he said, expressing confidence that the tournament would contribute to golf's continued development in Tanzania.

NBC Bank, the tournament sponsor, said its partnership with Kilombero Sugar aims to promote golf, nurture young talent and create opportunities for players to gain recognition beyond the country's borders.

The bank's Head of Transactions and Large Customer Deposits, Jimmy Myalize, said partnerships between businesses and sports stakeholders were important in identifying and developing emerging talent.

“Our sponsorship of the Kilombero Golf Open reflects the importance of partnerships in developing sports and creating opportunities for young people. Through our collaboration with Kilombero Sugar and other stakeholders, we aim to create an environment where emerging talent can be identified, nurtured and given opportunities to compete in different tournaments,” he said.