Kimberley’s darts stars rise to continental stage

Kimberley has long been a breeding ground for sporting talent in a wide veriety of sports, and now, in that tradition, three of its finest darts players will carry the city’s name to an international stage.

Dean Naude, Jaco Thuynsma and Leane van der Walt have been selected to represent the Southern region of the African Darts Group at the prestigious ADG Continental Tournament, taking place in Nairobi, Kenya, from September 23 to 24.

The trio forms part of just 16 elite players chosen from across the Southern Hemisphere, a group that represents the best of the best in darts.

Think about that for a moment ... For Kimberley, it is a proud moment, proving once again that the city can hold its own in the global sporting arena.

A growing sport with deep roots

While darts in South Africa is sometimes seen as a pub pastime, the sport has a strong and growing competitive structure.

The South African Darts Board, established in 1947, has been instrumental in organising provincial and national championships, producing players who have gone on to compete on international stages. In recent years, the African Darts Group has worked to create platforms where Southern and Northern Hemisphere players can test their skills against one another, helping to bridge the gap between African talent and the world’s darting powerhouses.

For players like Naude, Thuynsma and van der Walt, this tournament is more than just another competition. It is an opportunity to gain exposure, test their skills against top-class opposition, and continue South Africa’s proud tradition of growing darts as both a competitive sport and a pathway for aspiring professionals.

Dean Naude – chasing the PDC dream

Against this backdrop of a growing and competitive darts scene, Kimberley’s own Dean Naude is stepping into the spotlight, ready to make his mark. Representing Falcons Darts Club, Naude could hardly believe it when his name was called. “At first it was a shock,” he admitted. “But then I realised that all my ACT tournaments, getting into semi-finals and a final, boosted my points.

"I knew I would stand a chance.”

Naude has been practising diligently, dedicating three to four hours a day to sharpening his skills. “Mentally I just keep telling myself that I can do this and to stay calm under pressure,” he said. For Naude, the dream is crystal clear: one day, he wants to step onto the Professional Darts Corporation stage, the pinnacle of the sport.

Jaco Thuynsma – experience and consistency

Also from Falcons, Jaco Thuynsma is no stranger to the international stage, having competed in Kenya before. “It is a great honour to be able to represent the Southern Hemisphere,” he said. “It will be fantastic to return after the great experience last year.”

Thuynsma has intensified his training, playing online tournaments to stay sharp. For him, the goal is to win as many matches as possible and represent the Southern Hemisphere with pride.

“The competition will be strong, but that’s what makes it exciting,” he added.

Leane van der Walt – nerves, focus and growth

From Dragons Darts Club, Leane van der Walt brings determination and resilience. “I felt scared and excited at the same time,” she shared about her selection. “It is a huge privilege to be chosen. Even though I went to America once, this will be a totally different experience.”

Van der Walt is one of four women making up the Southern women’s team, a fact she sees as vital for exposure and growth. Her preparation has focused on tackling nerves that surface in high-pressure moments. “Even after playing in finals on stage before, it stays nerve-wracking,” she explained.

But she is motivated to prove her ability and grow her game further.

A moment for Kimberley and beyond

As the tournament approaches, the spotlight shines on these three Kimberley players who have worked tirelessly to reach this point. Their selection reflects years of dedication, long hours of practice, and the passion that drives darts players across South Africa.

But all of this also comes at a cost, and to reach Nairobi, each player needs to fund themselves to get there. So if you would like to assist these players on their journey to the tournament, you can make contact with Dean Naude on 079 831 4558.

While darts may not yet enjoy the same attention as rugby or cricket, events like the ADG Continental Tournament demonstrate that the sport is alive, growing, and brimming with potential. For Naude, Thuynsma, and van der Walt, the journey to Nairobi is not just about competition – it is about representing Kimberley, South Africa, and the Southern Hemisphere with pride.

And for the city that produced them, it is another reminder that talent, when nurtured and given opportunity, can take Kimberley’s name to the world stage.