Rwanda’s golfing ambitions were given fresh momentum when Celestin Nsanzuwera clinched the SportsBiz Africa Golf Championship at Kigali Golf Resort & Villas, a home victory that underlined both his growing stature and the region’s expanding place in the continental game.

The 28-year-old delivered a composed final round of 2-under par 70, lifting his three-day total to 15-under par 201 and leaving him five shots clear of his nearest rival.

His round was a mixture of challenge and brilliance, with bogeys on the 2nd, 11th, and 13th balanced by birdies at the 1st, 2nd, 8th, 16th, and a rousing finish at the 18th, where cheers from the gallery greeted his closing putt.

The win brought him Sh675,000 from the Sh3.3 million prize fund and the honour of securing victory on home turf.

Reflecting on the win, Nsanzuwera admitted that the setting made it especially meaningful, describing how he managed to rise to the occasion despite the pressure.

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“This win means a lot to me, especially here at home in Kigali. There was pressure, but I stayed focused on my game plan and trusted the preparation I’ve put in. The birdie on 18 was a special moment, in front of the fans, and it gave me a lot of pride to deliver this win for Rwanda," Nsanzuwera remarked.

"Having competed in every leg of this Tour so far, I feel my game is growing stronger with each event, and this victory gives me confidence heading into the next legs."

Behind him, South Africa’s Adam Breen mounted the fiercest pursuit, carding a flawless 6-under par 66 that elevated him to second place at 10-under par 206.

His six birdies, four of them on the back nine, turned the final day into a genuine contest before Nsanzuwera pulled away.

Breen’s performance also carried financial reward, with Sh361,125 secured for the runner-up finish.

 Breen noted the sense of rhythm that carried him through his charge, remarking, “Today was one of those rounds where everything clicked. I gave myself a lot of chances and managed to convert on the back nine to put some pressure on the leader. He played great golf all week and fully deserves the win. For me, this finish gives me a lot of positives to build on for future events.”

Third place went to another South African, Haydn Porteous, a player with an international pedigree as a two-time DP World Tour champion and winner of the 2015 Kenya Open.

He returned a steady 2-under par 70 to close at 8-under par 208, a scorecard built on four birdies and three bogeys, earning him Sh244,575.

Offering his assessment of the week, Porteous remarked, “It’s been fantastic to be here in Kigali and to experience the growth of golf in East Africa firsthand. The course was in great condition and provided a real test."

"I played solidly, but I left a few shots out there. Still, to see players from across Africa competing at this level is very encouraging for the game. I’m happy with my week and looking forward to the next events," Porteous added.

Further down the standings, Uganda’s Gaita Rodell and South Africa’s Travis Procter tied for fourth at 7-under par 209, while Kenya’s Eric Ooko emerged as his country’s best finisher in sixth on 6-under par 210.

Compatriots Greg Snow and John Wangai also made the top ten, both sharing eighth at 4-under par 212.

Among the amateur ranks, Kenya’s Michael Karanga and John Lejirma impressed by finishing in joint 12th at 1-under par 215, further evidence of the region’s depth of talent.

The championship drew 121 golfers representing 16 African nations, along with competitors from the United Kingdom and Canada.

SportsBiz Africa, East African Breweries PLC, through its Johnnie Walker brand, Kigali Golf Resort & Villas, and Pure Travel provided sponsorship support for the event.

As part of the Sunshine Development Tour’s East Africa Swing, the Kigali leg offered far more than prize money, with players collecting crucial Order of Merit points as well as recognition in both the Official World Golf Ranking and the World Amateur Golf Ranking.

For Rwanda, however, the story that will linger is not the rankings or statistics, but the image of a homegrown golfer rising to the challenge, delivering victory in front of his supporters, and signalling that the country is ready to make its mark on Africa’s golfing stage.