Mogale’s best looking to hit the target

The Gauteng Inter District Darts Championship is around the corner and the Mogale Darts Association has selected its best members to make Mogale City and the West Rand proud.

• Also read: Mogale darts members hit the bullseye in Bloem

According to Mogale Darts Association general secretary, Ronel Heyman, the Gauteng Inter District Championship invites both men’s and women’s teams from all six districts across Gauteng to compete. She said the goal is to crown the Top District men’s and women’s team for 2025.

“This championship also serves as a selection platform for the Gauteng Darts Federation to choose their provincial teams for men, women and youth who will represent Gauteng at the National Championship in July. The youth will participate a round-robin format over two weekends with the top four boys and top four girls earning a place in the provincial youth team.”

The Gauteng Inter District Championship features divisions for men, women and the youth (U18).

“The West Rand District comprises of the Mogale Darts Association, Rand West Darts Association and Merafong Darts Association. Trials were held to select the top of the crop in representing the district at the Gauteng Inter District Championship. We entered a team in each division – seven men, seven women and three youth and we have no doubt that they will fly the West Rand flag high,” said Ronel.

Ronel added to prepare for the competition, members from various districts engaged in league nights, competing against the strongest players within their district.

“Gauteng also hosts several open tournaments to enhance competitiveness and players at this level are highly dedicated, practicing often and up to several hours a day. Darts has become increasingly competitive with players striving to surpass their personal achievements from the previous year – all aiming for glory.”

Notable players to watch include Frans Lennon, who began preparing for this level of competition just last year, Protea player and reigning National Ladies Singles Champion Tanya Stols and the new youth players Orin de Klerk, who started playing this year not to mention Anton Jacobs, a junior youth Protea player.

‘We expect great things from these players. The year is only starting now, however, we are entering a men’s, women’s, youth as well as masters team to represent the Mogale Darts Association at various championships.”

The various championships mentioned above include:

• The Gauteng Championship (both senior and junior)
• The Gauteng Masters Championship
• The National Championship
• The Gauteng Currie Cup Championship (both senior and junior)
• The Gauteng Masters Currie Cup Championship
• The SA Corporates Championship (senior players only)
• The SA Mines Championship (senior players only)
• The SA Masters event (master players only)

“The team morale is exceptionally high at the moment and we have many cool heads to support the teams and bring calm. The players are very focused. Not only do they play for individual points to be selected in the provincial squad but they also focus on winning the team game to be crowned District Champions for 2025.

“We have great sportsmen and women who play competitive darts, they are disciplined, competitive and have an exceptional hunger for victory. We wish them the very best of luck.”