SNIPERS’ BAFANA DARTS LEAGUE’S BEST

EZULWINI – Despite Royal Snipers not clinching the league title, Bafana Nkambule had a reason to celebrate as he was named Player of the Season for 2024. He received E500 in absentia during the ESRIC Darts presentation at the Sibanesami Hotel in Ezulwini yesterday, triumphing over strong competitors for this prestigious accolade. Nkambule’s contributions were crucial, helping his team secure a top-five finish, which earned them E4 000 collectively for their fifth-place position. He notably achieved eight 180s, with a highest close of three and a fast close of one. The league champions, Malkerns Darts Club, were awarded a trophy, gold medals and E15 000, while runners-up Green Spears received E10 000 and silver medals.

Green Arrows took home bronze medals alongside E8 000. During the event, individual awards were presented by President Phumlani ‘Kofi’ Ndwandwe. Notably, Elangeni High School Head teacher Nonhlanhla Sibiya was recognised for her support in providing a venue at a reasonable rate. Banele Mndzebele was also acknowledged for his exceptional performance during last year’s Regional V tournament, where Team Eswatini secured gold medals against other Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, including South Africa. Several players shared their insights on the sport.

Benefits

Nompendulo Ndlela from Green Roses expressed gratitude to their sponsors and coaches, urging more women to join darts for its enjoyment and personal growth. Nokwando Mkhwanazi from Elangeni Vipers invited ladies to engage in darts, highlighting its fun and cognitive benefits. As captain of the Eswatini Region V team, Nkosephayo Dlamini thanked the association and hoped to pursue darts professionally in the United Kingdom (UK).
Mndzebele reflected on his journey since 2019, aspiring to excel internationally, while Simo Maseko from Malkerns Darts Club acknowledged his team’s effort in securing the league title and expressed eagerness to recruit young players for future competitions.

Flourishing partnership celebrated

Zama Ngcobo, the General Manager of the Eswatini Royal Insurance Corporation (ESRIC), spoke passionately about the enduring partnership with the Eswatini Darts Association (ENDA). He was speaking during a prize presentation at Sibanesami Hotel in Ezulwini, yesterday. Ngcobo expressed his delight at how their support for sports resonates not only locally but also on an international level. He underscored the importance of meritocracy in team selection, stating: “If teams are selected based on merit, you will witness positive results; however, if nepotism prevails, then the team will inevitably struggle.”

He further emphasised the necessity of good governance in sports, asserting: “Elections are a crucial component of governance and there should not be a president for life.”
Ngcobo extended his gratitude to the Eswatini Sports and Recreation Council (ESRC) for uplifting sports and expressed hope that other disciplines would receive similar support as darts.  Ngcobo reflected on the sponsorship journey, noting: “When we began sponsoring darts, the contribution was E10 000.” 

He praised the leadership for transforming darts’ image, traditionally associated with alcohol, into a respectable sport focused on youth development. He expressed pride in Team Eswatini’s achievement of winning a gold medal at last year’s Region V tournament. Phumlani ‘Kofi’ Ndwandwe, President of ENDA, reiterated their commitment to youth development, thanking sponsors for their ongoing support.

Ambitious

He shared ambitious plans to elevate the sport nationally and acknowledged schools for their role in promoting darts. Darius Dlomo, CEO of the ESRC, likened the ENDA-ESRIC relationship to a ‘robust marriage’, praising darts for its achievements and successful integration of schools into their programmes. Thandeka Mkhonto, representing schools, expressed gratitude for introducing darts, attributing Team Eswatini’s success to the support of ESRIC. This partnership continues to foster talent, ensuring a bright future for the sport.

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