Kimberley’s rising Dart stars eye global stage

THREE talented dart players from Kimberley are making waves in the darts community, and two of them already have their sights set on an exciting opportunity to compete in the USA.

Leané van der Walt, Zeidi Kruger, and Dean Naudé, who once enjoyed casual games of darts, have now set their hearts on pursuing greater heights in the sport.

With an International Darts Tournament on the horizon in Kissimmee, Florida, they are determined to make their mark on the global stage.

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The DFA spoke to the three rising stars to learn more about their passion and dreams for their darts career.

Leané van der Walt’s remarkable journey

Leané van der Walt’s love for darts began when she was just 14 years old, after she was invited by friends to the Hoffe Park Darts Club.

What started as a casual outing quickly turned into a life-changing experience. Leané told the DFA that was instantly captivated by the camaraderie among the players and the unwavering support they showed one another.

She said that the infectious enthusiasm for the sport drew her in, and she knew she wanted to be a part of it.

Her natural talent for darts became evident when, just two weeks after joining the club at the age of 14, Leané participated in a tournament against Botswana and emerged as the surprising champion of the Women’s Tournament. The victory served as a catalyst for her darting career, and the encouragement she received from fellow players motivated her to continue pursuing the sport.

Since then, Leané has soared to great heights within the darts community. She currently belongs to the esteemed Diamond Dragons franchise, a part of the African Darts Group, founded by none other than Devon Peterson (professional darts player and a pundit for Sky Sports).

Her list of achievements is impressive and includes various championship titles, such as the 2019 Women’s Singles Championship against Botswana and multiple titles at the prestigious Hoffe Park Women's Singles Championship.

Recently, on April 2 this year, Leané’s dreams reached new heights when she was chosen at the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Cup Qualifier in Gqebera to represent South Africa at the International Darts Tournament in Florida. The tournament in the USA is scheduled from August 17 to 20, 2023.

And darts is not the only thing that Leané is aiming at. Currently pursuing a diploma in retail business management at Sol Plaatje University, Leané aims to conquer the world of darts while also completing her education. Her dedication to both her studies and her sport bears testimony to her commitment to excellence.

When asked where she sees her journey leading, Leané was candid. “I want to gain international fame and compete against the big names in darts. With commitment, hard work, and most importantly the Lord who blessed me with this talent, my goals are definitely within reach,” Leané told the DFA with determination.

Zeidi Kruger’s ascent in darts

For Zeidi Kruger, darts began as a simple hobby in 2015/16, but it soon transformed into a serious passion.

Like Leané, Zeidi also enjoyed playing at the then-Hoffe Park Darts Club, which unfortunately closed down later. However, her love for the sport persisted, and she found a new home at the Route 64 darts club.

Zeidi told the DFA that her first ever competition was the South African Pro Darts that was held in Kimberley at the City Hall, Constance Hall, and the Civic Centre. She also attended another South African Pro Darts Competition, but this time it was held in Cape Town.

Her participation in various competitions, including the recent ladies online competition, where she secured an impressive third place, has propelled her forward.

Eager to take her darts prowess beyond South Africa’s borders, Zeidi now has her sights set on the Gauteng Franchise Open, where she hopes to gain valuable experience and meet talented players from across the globe.

Asked who her role models are, Zeidi said that she looks up to professional darts player Charles Losper and local Viceroy Darts Club player Eddie Pillay.

“I want to take my sport and travel outside the borders of South Africa to meet new people, gain experience, and, by doing so, improve my dart game,” Zeidi told the DFA with an air of determination.

Dean Naudé’s Journey to the USA

The DFA also spoke to Dean Naudé, asking him how his darts journey began. Dean, a seasoned player with over eight years of dedication to the sport, told the DFA that he found his love for the sport when he was introduced to a local darts club by his friend, Johan Barnard.

From the very beginning, Dean says he was hooked, finding in darts not only a sport but a path that teaches discipline and perseverance.

Having played for Hoffe Park, Route64, and Diamond Dragons Dart Clubs, Dean’s talent and passion did not go unnoticed. He obtained his junior Griqua colours through Darts South Africa and has, for quite some time, been on the radar for international competitions.

Dean also told the DFA that he recently received the thrilling news that he was on the shortlist to be part of the A team representing South Africa in the USA. He said that an opportunity to compete on the international stage and gain invaluable experience beckons him, but the financial challenge stands in his way.

“To go to the USA, I need to obtain the necessary finances, and unfortunately I am not in a position to pay for it myself” he said. “It’s a dream come true to be selected for such a prestigious tournament, and I’m determined to make my mark on the world stage,” he added enthusiastically.

There is no doubt that these three promising dart players have made their mark in the Kimberley darting community. Their dedication and exceptional skills are an inspiration.

As these three athletes prepare to embark on their journey to the International Darts Tournament in Florida, they carry the hopes, dreams and best wishes of their friends and family with them, and no doubt they will do what it takes to show what athletes from the Diamond City can do.

If individuals or businesses are interested in supporting our talented local darts players to make their trip to the USA a reality, you can reach out to Eddie Pillay at 073 996 9682.