Adel Balala crowned 104th NCBA Kenya Amateur Match Play champion

Nyali Golf and Country Club's Adel Taufiq Balala has been crowned the 104th NCBA Kenya Amateur Match Play champion after defeating 16-year-old Maahir Patel of Sigona Golf Club 3&2 in Sunday's final at Limuru Country Club.

The victory secures Balala a place at the 2027 Magical Kenya Open and caps an impressive week in which he played 125 holes over four days, displaying remarkable consistency, composure and endurance.

The 27-year-old becomes only the latest golfer to complete an amateur double, having previously won the Kenya Amateur Stroke Play Championship in 2021.

“It's been a long week and a real test of mental endurance. Playing 125 holes over four days is not easy, but I enjoyed every moment of the challenge. Winning the Match Play title and earning a place at the Magical Kenya Open makes all the hard work worthwhile,” Balala said after his victory.

Balala's toughest test came in Saturday's semifinal, where he edged reigning Kenya Amateur Stroke Play champion Jay Sandhu in extra holes before comfortably defeating Patel in the championship match.

Patel, who reached the final after a marathon 21-hole semifinal victory over clubmate Junaid Ayaz Manji, impressed throughout the tournament despite falling short in the title decider.

“If you had told me on Thursday that I'd be playing in the final, I probably wouldn't have believed you. Adel deserved the win, but this week has given me a lot of confidence,” the 16-year-old said.

Kenya Golf Union Chairman Brian Akun congratulated Balala on his triumph, describing his performance as a demonstration of the resilience and mental strength required to succeed in match play.

The victory also lifts Balala to sixth in the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship Order of Merit with 499 points, while Jay Sandhu continues to lead the standings with 1,330 points, ahead of John Kamais and Elvis Muigua.