The 2025 Mzilikazi Classic Golf Tournament ended in high drama on Sunday as Michael Wallace held his nerve to defeat Kelvin Muchenje in a sudden-death play-off at Bulawayo Country Club.
The two Zimbabwe national squad players had been inseparable over 54 holes, both finishing level on par 216. It all came down to the par-four 18th, where Wallace produced a clinical birdie to seal the championship and deny Muchenje what had seemed, for much of the weekend, to be his tournament to lose.
For Wallace, the victory was both sweet and timely. It came less than a week after his solid showing at the Blue Label Bushveld Tour Srixon Series 4 in Benoni, South Africa, where he finished tied for 11th. His form carried through to Bulawayo, where his resilience shone brightest.
Muchenje had set the pace early, opening with a steady two-under-par 70 before firing a three-under-par 69 to grab a commanding three-shot lead at five-under-par heading into the final round. Wallace, by contrast, began shakily with a three-over-par 75 but clawed his way back with a superb five-under-par 67 — the best round of the tournament — to stay in contention.
Sunday’s final round, however, flipped the script. Muchenje stumbled under pressure, carding a disappointing five-over-par 77, while Wallace battled to a 74. Their matching totals forced the play-off that set the stage for Wallace’s moment of brilliance.
Darlington Chikanyambidze finished a strong third, recovering from an opening 79 to post rounds of 73 and 68 for a four-over-par 220 total. Now in its third edition, the Mzilikazi Classic continues to grow in stature, attracting an improved field of 79 golfers this year. The tournament was held in conjunction with the annual King Mzilikazi Day commemorations, giving the event a unique cultural and historical resonance. For Wallace, though, the weekend will be remembered not for its symbolism, but for a birdie under pressure — one that secured his place among the rising stars of Zimbabwean golf.
