BOTSWANA-The Eswatini National Darts team has left to embark on a tricky international test in Botswana.
The Eswatini National Darts Association (ENDA) delegation led by President Phumlani ‘Kofi’ Ndwandwe and Secretary General Thandeka Mkhonto, among others, left the Kingdom yesterday at dawn by road en route to Gaborone.
Eswatini National Darts Association (ENDA) Public Relations Officer ( PRO) Flag Nxumalo recently revealed the squad confirming their participation in the upcoming African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region V games in Gaborone, Botswana. The prestigious event is slated for August 24-28.
The spokesman and player, Flag, who was crowned champion in the 2026 BOAB National Darts Championships men’s open category features in this list. Bafana ‘Gaso’ Nkambule and Sifiso Simelane of Scorpions snatched the win in the doubles, ultimately earning them a place in the squad. They will represent the country in the seniors alongside Banele ‘Rambo’ Mndzebele and Senzo ‘Die Far’ Fakudze, to mention but a few. Rambo boast a silver medal in the competition, having won it when Eswatini hosted these games in 2024, losing to Stendy Chingono of Zimbabwe. However, at the time of compiling this report, it was yet to be ascertained if Chingono would be competing in Botswana or not.
Meanwhile, Nonhlanhla Mndzebele of Malkerns Bulls and Captain Thobile Gumedze from Green Roses lead the ladies seniors team. They are joined by Simphiwe Madzinane, who also has a silver at the Region V Games. Team Eswatini is completed by Under-25 athletes Siphamandla Dladla and Sandziso Nhleko for the men, alongside Mbali Sihlongonyane and Neliswa Mhlanga for the women.
According to the Botswana Guardian, only 26 players are said to have earned the honour of representing Botswana at the regional competition following regional trials.
The final squad was drawn from multiple categories, including Under-25 boys and girls, veteran men and women and senior national teams for both men and women.
The regional tournament is expected to feature several countries, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Eswatini, Lesotho, Zambia and Malawi, with Angola also named as a possible participant.
Ladies Senior Team
1.Nonhlanhla Mndzebele Malkerns Bulls
2.Thobile Gumedze (C) Green Roses
3.Simphiwe Madzinane Green Roses
4.Nontsikelelo Msibi Green Roses
Senior Men’s Team
1.Flag ‘Mjeka’ Nxumalo (C) Green Arrows
2.Bafana ‘Gaso’ Nkambule Scorpions
3.Senzo ‘Die Far’ Fakudze Green Arrows
4.Sifiso Simelane Scorpions
5. Banele ‘Rambo’ Mndzebele Green Arrows
6.Elvis Shongwe Remnants
Under-25 Ladies
1.Neliswa Mhlanga UNESWA
2.Mbali Sihlongonyane Green Roses
Men
1.Siphamandla Dladla (C) Elangeni Vipers
2.Sandziso Nhleko Green Spears
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