Darts Team Out To Defend Regional Title

Kabelo Boranabi | Monday September 4, 2017 15:49

Speaking at the team’s sending off ceremony held in Gaborone on Friday, Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) chairperson, Solly Reikeletseng encouraged the team to perform at their level best, adding a good performance will improve the popularity of the sport in the country. “Nobody would want to be associated with losers. Everyone wants to be associated with winners. So, I urge you to go out there and earn your stripes. That is the blue, black and white stripes,” Reikeletseng said. He lauded the Botswana Darts Association for their steady progress at country level. The team comprises Marius Poloka who won the two medals at the regional tournament held two years ago, Thatayaone Robert, debutants Jerry Halahala and Lesley Lubinda who form the Under-18 boys team. The women’s team boasts of two-time bronze medallist Tshepo Balang, 2015 gold medallist, Samantha January and debutants Onneile Puso and Sandile Tswiri. The Under-15 boys will be made up of Lone Poloka, Monametsi Seabelo, Kealeboga Tshegofatso and Katlego Olebile while the girls’ team comprises Bofelo Tapiwa, Tlamelo Oagile, Tshegofatso Mbenge and Delphinah Emmanuel.

Speaking to the journalists after the ceremony, team captain, Poloka said the team intends to defend the title they won two years ago. “As a captain, my duty will be to encourage my teammates especially those who are new to international competition to be calm and play to their level best. As the defending champions, we have to go out there and defend our title,” he said.

The Botswana side is the team to beat at this level as in 2015 they scooped overall first position. They had finished in third and first positions in 2013 and 2011 respectively. The current squad will be under the guidance of BODA youth coordinator, Machena Robert and development coaches, Precious Manyothwane and Emeldah Mothobi. The team leaves today and returns on September 9.