26 Aug 2026

The 32nd African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Senior Darts Championship kicked off in Gaborone on Tuesday, bringing together top players from Botswana, eSwatini, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe at the Aquarian Tide Hotel.

BNSC chief executive officer, Olebile Sikwane noted that hosting the event highlighted Botswana’s sport infrastructure, organisational capacity and tourism potential, emphasising that the championship fostered regional unity, discipline and economic activity.

Former Botswana Darts Association (BODA) president, Buyani Zongwani marked the emotional return of the tournament.

“Standing before you today fills my heart with an overwhelming sense of pride and nostalgia. Our theme is a call to action. True sporting legacy is about the doors we open for the youth. It is about moving darts away from the misconceptions of a simple social pub sport and firmly cementing it as a highly disciplined and strategic sport of mental sharpness,” Zongwani said.

Block 10 area councillor,, Michael Botumile stated that the event brought energy, visibility and economic opportunities.

For his part, digital marketing officer, Simeon Sekwati, representing AUSC Region 5 Darts Confederation president, said the sport had grown regionally and urged federations to stick to official pathways for international exposure.

He encouraged member countries to align with bodies like the World Darts Federation (WDF) and Professional Darts Corporation (PDC).

Defending champions, Zimbabwe and host nation, Botswana are expected to lead the battle for regional honours in the competition expected to end on Friday. ENDS