The Zambian Open has been part of the Sunshine Tour since 1996. However, Yusuf Jasat of the Professional Golfers Association of Zambia remains optimistic that a Zambian winner could emerge from this year’s Mopani Zambia Open. “I’m hopeful for a Zambian winner. Last year we came close and this year, as I said, we’ve got some fresh blood. We have 14 Zambian professionals who play locally and are participating in the Zambia Open. I’d like to thank the Zambia Open Organising Committee for helping us get a good number of professionals involved. It’s also the first time that our professionals have played in the Pro-Am, which is a fantastic development. It shows our professionals are being recognised, and as you know, they receive an appearance fee for that, which is a great incentive,” said Jasat. This year’s edition of the Mopani Zambia Open features a competitive field of 128 golfers, including 13 amateurs. Defending champion Viljoen is also part of the line-up. The tournament will conclude on Sunday, with players taking to the greens including Albert Venter, Daniel van Tonder, Neil Schietekat, Robson Chinhoi, Jacques Blaauw, Hennie Otto, Moore, Stuart Krog, and Muthiya, among others.