Botswana Darts Target Podium Finish at Regional Championships

Sunday Standard Botswana Darts Target Podium Finish at Regional Championships Three years ago, Botswana Darts Association (BODA) slipped out of its status among the AUSC Region 5 top three. As BODA prepares to host the AUSC Region 5 Games from 24 to 28 August 2026 at the Aquarian Tide Hotel in Gaborone, the target is simple. Return back to their perch among the region’s top three.   BODA Secretary Kagiso Kitso says the squad they have assembled for the home tournament will be pushing to win the championship. For this tournament, BODA will deploy a mix of Under 25, Senior and Veteran players across the men’s and women’s divisions. Kitso is of the view that the selected team, more especially the senior squad, is the strongest Botswana has fielded in years. The final squad was selected during trials in Palapye. Winning aside, the BODA Secretary is optimistic that hosting the tournament will boost the popularity of the sport locally. BODA says hosting will increase the sport’s visibility nationally and improve government backing. “Hosting the Region 5 Games is a breakthrough. It gives darts national visibility, government support, and a chance to prove we can host world-class events. The Games will benefit Gaborone’s tourism and business sectors.”  With seven countries expected to be represented during the tournament in Gaborone, team delegations are expected to fill hotels and patronise restaurants and transport services over the five-day event.  “For development, it means our final squad prepares at home, with more training and no travel stress. It tells every young Motswana that darts is a real pathway to represent Botswana. Players get international competition at home along with regional ranking points and qualification opportunities.” As it is, BODA seeks to use the regional championships as a springboard for a better future. Kitso outlined BODA already has a long-term strategy built on three pillars. These include keeping the current squad active through monthly leagues and training, expanding BODA’s school and community programmes to grow its player base, as well as pushing for Region 5 darts to gain international recognition by aligning its rules and rankings with global standards. “BODA plans to align its rules, rankings and events to international standards so that a Region 5 champion can compete at African and World level without extra qualifiers, The goal is to produce Botswana players who are not just Region 5 champions, but African and World champions.”  Kitso acknowledged that BODA faces significant obstacles, including funding constraints, a shortage of facilities outside Gaborone, difficulty keeping players consistently active, strong regional competition, and the challenge of securing international recognition for Region 5 darts. However, he noted BODA is tackling the challenges with better structures, more partnerships and by using Region 5 games as a launch pad. Meanwhile, Botswana’s squad for the regional championships includes seniors Letlhogela Mosepele, Mothusi Moakofi, Jimmy Moshokgo, Tshupo Ramotlhala, Tomeletso Poloka, Topo Mongweemang, Boipelo Masimele, Keneilwe Kabanna, Charity Mashiakgomo, Irene Otukile, Moabi Othapile and Malebogo Subule. U25 comprises Thatayotlhe Robert, Theo Rantshabo, Botlhe Baliki, Lame Poloka, Rachel Moremi and Gaone Ishmael. Veterans include George Lekang, Moitshupi Seomile, Arthur Jansen, Gaolatlhe Setlhare, Tebogo Lesaba and Florah Chikhwai. The post Botswana Darts Target Podium Finish at Regional Championships first appeared on Sunday Standard and is written by Oratile Otsetswe