Ludwig Ralph, a representative of the Namibia Darts Federation (NDF), says the association is determined to win a gold medal at the upcoming African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Darts Tournament in Mazowe, Zimbabwe.

The tournament will take place from 26 to 29 August. Ten countries, including host nation Zimbabwe, will compete for top honours. This high-profile event is seen as a major boost for junior development, talent identification, and regional unity through sport.

Namibia will send a team of eight players, four girls and four boys, who are tasked with leading the nation to glory. According to Ralph, preparations are at an advanced stage.

“The group was selected months ago, and this time around the competition will feature mostly juniors who have come up through the ranks, so we are sending a youthful team to the tournament,” he said. “It has been training and continues to do so. 

We have a solid team, and we would like to collect medals, but mostly, we are aiming for gold,” he said. Eswatini are the reigning champion, and every participating country will be looking to dethrone them. Ralph is confident that Namibia has what it takes to win this year’s edition.

“I am confident that the team we have selected for this specific tournament is good enough to earn us medals. Some players on the team made their debut last year, and they know what to expect. With last year’s experience, we should be able to collect medals,” he said.

However, he noted that the team is struggling to raise funds for the trip. “Money is always a challenge; we are still looking for funds to sponsor our trip. We have contacted the Namibia Sport Commission to help us with the trip, and we are hoping they answer our call.”

Meanwhile, Steven Mwarindira, the secretary general of the National Darts Association of Zimbabwe, said they expect countries to fly into Zimbabwe for the tournament.

“As a nation, our juniors are ready for the challenge. We want to do well and build from our previous performances. We had a decent showing at the ZUSA Games in Bulawayo, and we believe nothing can stop us from excelling in Mazowe,” Mwarindira said.

-mkambukwe@nepc.com.na