Ngecu makes history as only girl in Junior Matchplay quarterfinals

Muthaiga Golf Club’s Brianna-Simone Ngecu has emerged as the only girl to reach the quarterfinals of the 2026 NCBA Kenya Junior Matchplay Championship at Sigona Golf Club.

Ngecu produced one of the most convincing results of the opening matchplay round, defeating Jemile Gacheru 6&4 to secure her place in the final eight.

Her progression provides a standout moment in a tournament featuring some of Kenya’s promising junior golfers, with Ngecu now the lone female player remaining in the competition.

Strokeplay qualifier leader Mwathi Gicheru continued his strong run by overcoming Simo Dubajic 2&1.

Gicheru had topped Monday’s qualifying round with a one-under-par 71.

The Widor brothers also made the quarterfinal cut, with Ewan Widor edging Andrew Gathere by one hole and Sean Widor securing a similar victory over Nathan Mwangi.

Maahir Patel, Jelani Kihanya, Yuvraj Rajput and Kevin Anyien completed the last-eight line-up.

Rajput registered one of the day’s biggest wins, defeating Tsorav Soni 5&4, while Kihanya beat Kayden Wissanji 3&2 and Anyien saw off Alpha Ndungu 3&2.

The quarterfinal field is therefore Mwathi Gicheru, Ewan Widor, Sean Widor, Maahir Patel, Jelani Kihanya, Yuvraj Rajput, Kevin Anyien and Brianna-Simone Ngecu.

The four-day championship runs from August 10 to 13 and forms part of NCBA’s continued support for junior golf, providing young players with valuable competitive experience as they develop their careers.