adminRicky Zililo Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO Metropolitan Province Darts League log leaders Archers will field strong teams for the Townshend and Butcher sponsored Highlanders Doubles Darts tournament set for the clubhouse tomorrow.
In an interview yesterday, Archers captain Ernest Sibanda said they are taking the competition seriously.
“We are aware that this is a social tournament but to us as Archers we feel that this is the time to show that being at the top of the log is not a fluke and my players should win the Highlanders tournament. All my players will be there,” said Sibanda.
The star-studded Archers’ hopes for the tournament have been pinned on the likes of Brian Ndlovu, Nkululeko Ncube, youngster Tafadzwa Mtomba and Albert Tawanda. On Wednesday night, Archers took their unbeaten run to 27 matches after beating Bellevue 31-8.
Third on the Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Darts League log Old Nic Mine will not participate in tomorrow’s competition as their players will be battling it out at the Chamber of Mines Darts tournament set for Zvishavane.
“As much as we would have wanted our players to participate at this social competition it’s unfortunate that we will not be there because we are going to Zvishavane for the Chamber of Mines Darts tournament,” said Sijabuliso Dabengwa.
Old Nic Mine is home to former national champions Ndumiso Tshuma, Moses Ndlovu, Godfrey Mazonde, Okay Sibanda, Maxmillion Taruvinga, Linesman Muronzvi and ex-Archers player Jackson Ndimande. These players are part of Bulawayo Metropolitan Province’s top 16.
Wisewaters’ captain Kerabetsi Mleya said they would not be hard on their players and will allow them to choose their partners.
Some of the players that play for Wisewaters include Melusi Ndlovu, Mzi Ndlovu and Cessari Khumalo.
“This is a social tournament and we feel that if some of our players want to partner their friends from other clubs they can do that. Who knows, they might get tips from some of the top players,” said Mleya.
Wisewaters are sixth on the log with 17 points and were inactive on Wednesday night benefiting from a walkover against expelled Zimbabwe Saints.
Tomorrow’s winners will walk away with $80 with the runners-up getting $60 while losing semi-finalists will get $40 each.
Organisers have spiced up the tournament with the first team to score 180 getting $10 while the first bull-close has a $15 incentive.
Townshend and Butcher proprietor Peter Leondios said they are committed to playing a part in improving sport.
“We are a reputable supplier of sporting equipment and we have seen it proper to contribute towards the improvement and development of sport in the country. We have been involved in soccer but we feel there is a need to spread our wings and help other sporting disciplines,” Leondios said.
Results
Wednesday: Parkview Khanka 15, Highlanders 24; Zimbabwe School of Mines 19, Parkview Lions 20; Khami 18, Old Nic Mine 21; Bellevue 8, Archers 31; Portland Cement 6, Maisonic 33; How Mine 13, Railstars 26; New Dawn 25, ZRP Bulawayo 14; Caaz 15, Support Unit 24
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