Mat’North will on Thursday take part in the National Darts Association of Zimbabwe national closed championships for the first time.

The championships will be held at Thornhill School in Gweru from Thursday up to next Tuesday.

“This time around we are having debutants, Matabeleland North, who have confirmed participation and have already sent us their team lists with two men’s teams of seven players and a single ladies’ team of five players.

“We are encouraged as the Ndaz leadership because it now means all our 10 provinces now play darts,” said Ndazi president Meynard Moyo.

The Harare banker said 171 men and 63 ladies will battle it out for the various individual and team accolades that will be on offer.

Mashonaland West will be the team to beat in both the team and individual duels. They have one of the best players in the country veteran David Nyemba, who has managed to stand his ground against stiff challenges from other experienced players. Midlands has also been a force in the ladies section.

Moyo has praised the professional behaviour exhibited by players during major tournaments, such as the Easter Holidays and Heroes championships.

“I must commend our players for the professionalism that they have been showing and hope that it continues that way. It is such behaviour that has seen us convince schools to come on board, as the game of darts is now in their curriculum,” said Moyo.