BETIKA BETS ON LOCAL PROFESSIONAL GOLFERS AHEAD OF KENYA OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS WITH KSH545K STAKE
From left to right: Mathew Omondi and Edwin Mudanyi of Vet Lab, Kate Arudo (PR Manager Betika), Isaac Makhoha of Vet Lab, John Wangai of Sigona and Justus Madoya of Great Rift Valley Lodge.
By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS
Five local professional golfers today received a shot in the arm after betting firm Betika sponsored them ahead of the Kenya Open Golf Championships set for Karen Country Club from Thursday.
Betika, through the Betika na Community Initiative extended support worth Ksh 545,000 towards John Wangai of Sigona Club who also doubles up as the Professional Golfers of Kenya captain, Justus Madoya of the Great Rift Valley Club and the Vet Lab trio of Edwin Mudanyi, Mathew Omondi and Isaac Makhoha.
Isaac Makokha made history by becoming the first golfer with hearing impairment to clinch the Kenya Amateur Match Play Championship title, after beating Jay Sandhu of Royal Nairobi Golf Club 3-2 in the 36-hole final at the par 72 Vet Lab Sports Club course and in the process earned a ticket to this year’s Kenya Open.
“We are grateful to Betika for its sponsorship to attend the 2021 Kenya Open. This speaks to the brand’s continued commitment to the growth and development of sports in the country. We are pleased that Betika has continued to stand by us, even now, under tough COVID-19 restrictions and circumstances where we have to go for a Bubble camp for 14 days to be able to play in the tournament. It shows that, indeed, Betika is passionate about the growth of sports in Kenya and sincere in its sponsorship,” said Isaac Makokha
Speaking during the handover, the firm’s Public Relations Manager, Kate Arudo said: “Our aim is to support all types of sports, and this golf sponsorship is a testament of how committed we are to supporting Kenyan talent. The five golfers receiving the sponsorship have impressed us with their discipline and focus in advancing at golf and we wish them continued success this season”.
The tournament, which is part of the elite European Tour will include 12 Kenyan pros, with Nigeria, Uganda, and Zimbabwe being represented by a player each.
Betika Na Community has now grown into a massive movement with huge following across the country. Betika continues to reaffirm their commitment in investing in sports, arts and culture across the country in 2021.