01 Sep 2026

 Zimbabwe has emerged as the overall champion of the 32^nd African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Senior Darts Championships.

Host nation Botswana secured a strong second-place finish, while South Africa rounded out the podium in third.

The flagship tournament convened top-tier talent from across Southern Africa at Aquarian Tide Hotel in Gaborone including Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, eSwatini, and Namibia to showcase elite regional competition while reinforcing cross-border diplomacy and camaraderie through sport.

Delivering the closing remarks on Saturday, Botswana Darts Association (BODA) president, Pinkie Makhale commended the athletes and organisers for executing a seamless and highly competitive tournament. 

She noted that the event highlighted exceptional sportsmanship and underscored the unifying power of athletics within the region.

“More importantly, we have witnessed the spirit of unity, friendship, and regional solidarity that sports continues to bring to our nations,” Makhale said.

Makhale emphasised the strategic need for continued investment in grassroots programmes and youth pathways to ensure long-term sustainability.

“The future of darts depends on developing talent, supporting our players and officials, and creating opportunities for the next generation to take this sport even further,” she said. 

The competition featured diverse categories including Senior Men and Women, Under-25, and Veterans providing a comprehensive platform for athletes across all stages of their sporting careers.

Adding to the call for development, Region 5 Darts Federation president, Meynard Moyo advocated for greater structural support and institutional recognition for the sport. 

Moyo urged sports ministries and governing bodies to explicitly include darts within national facility planning, financial allocations, and sports integrity policies.

He further lauded the discipline and professionalism demonstrated by the athletes, framing it as essential for elevating the profile of darts across the continent.

As the 32^nd edition concluded, stakeholders are expected to build on the momentum generated by the championships by expanding participation, strengthening youth development programmes and securing greater sponsorship for future regional competitions. ENDS