Online Reporter
Takudzwa Chitsiga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE is set to take center stage in regional sport as the country hosts the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Darts Tournament in Mazowe from August 26 to 29.
The high profile event will feature teams from neighbouring countries and is seen as a major boost for junior development, talent identification, and regional unity through sport.
Among the exciting prospects is Bulawayo’s rising star, Thomas Mlambo, a junior player who climbed the ranks through previous Region 5 competitions and now competes at club level.
National Darts Association of Zimbabwe (NDAZ) secretary general Steven Mwarindira confirmed the tournament and expressed confidence in the national squad.
“As a nation, our juniors are ready for the challenge. We want to do well and build from our previous performances. We had a decent show at the ZUSA Games in Bulawayo and we believe nothing can stop us from excelling in Mazowe,” said Mwarindira.
He said hosting the tournament is more than a sporting milestone, it’s a chance to strengthen grassroots structures and expand darts across communities.
“We are pleased to be entrusted with hosting duties. All logistical arrangements are in place, but we also want to ensure every junior darts player has a fair opportunity to compete. As such, we will be staging a selection tournament in Masvingo to finalise our team,” he said.
To sharpen their competitive edge, NDAZ is ramping up junior development through school tournaments, with the Masvingo selection event set to identify top performers.
Zimbabwe will look to use home advantage to challenge defending champions Eswatini, who have dominated the junior category in recent years.
Organisers say the Mazowe event will deepen regional collaboration in darts, promote talent exchange, and cement Zimbabwe’s status as a reliable host of major sporting events in Southern Africa.
Peter Tanyanyiwa