In memory of Luís Nhaca, golf champion of Mozambique and the best doorman in Africa

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In memory of Luís Nhaca, golf champion of Mozambique and the best doorman in Africa

5:20 CAT | 12 Oct 2022

Image: Notícias

Outstanding Mozambican golfer and, for many years, the impeccable doorman at the Polana Hotel, Luis Nhaca, passed away on Sunday at the age of 62. He left his mar in sports, but also in Mozambican tourism and hospitality and will be dearly missed.

His funeral took place at the Lhanguene Cemetery today, after family and friends paid their last respects earlier in the morning at his home in the Polana Caniço “A” neighbourhood in Maputo city.

Former golfing champion and friend Alfredo Fumo told Noticias that Luis Nhaca won several trophies in national competitions and was a member of the National Golf Team in international tournaments and competition. He managed the Maputo Golf Club from 1989 to 1993.

News of his demise spread quickly on social media, with Polana Hotel posting: “Today we say goodbye to a colleague and friend who, for many years, was the face of our hospitality. Thank you for everything, Luis”.

For many, Luis Nhaca embodied one the best qualities of Mozambicanity: he was a true gentleman.

The prestigious weekly Expresso de Portugal published a short biography of Luis Nhaca in 2013 with the title ‘Luis Nhaca – Doorman and golf champion’. We translate it below.

“He who does not have a dog, hunts with a cat.” It was with this pragmatic perspective that Luís Nhaca improvised as a kid the golf clubs with which he hit his first balls, made with tree sticks and metal scraps. The holes were bottles buried in the machamba or in the sand. He used to walk around the golf courses catching the balls that passed the net, and he would spend hours enjoying the sport of the white people. He spent days mentally training the movement.

“He started to train with his friends, improvising the artefacts. His talent was undeniable, the boy had a beautiful swing. At the age of 24, he started participating in tournaments with borrowed clubs, and won first place in his second game. In 1991, he became champion of Mozambique, a title he held until at least 2013, when the Expresso article about him was written.

“Aside from golf, everyone knew him as concierge at the Hotel Polana, the most luxurious hotel in the city of Maputo. He started in 1979 in the laundry and storage facilities , and when in 2000 the emblematic doorman with badges and pins affixed to his lapels and hat, passed away, Luis Nhaca had the honour of replacing him. He inherited the badges and pins, multiplied the friendliness and charisma with which he welcomed those staying at the hotel. And, in his spare time, he gave golf lessons to expats and tourists who passed by. It’s not every day one gets to play with a champion…”

In an article published on ‘The Caravan, Joseph Hammond called him “the best doorman in Africa”. For us, Luís Nhaca was the best doorman in the world. Farewell Senhor Luís.

The golfing life of “the best doorman in Africa”

Now available to subscribers, @TheJosephH‘s piece: https://t.co/crGucInhBp pic.twitter.com/eIFJbQ2jB0

— The Caravan (@thecaravanindia) January 1, 2019