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Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
THE Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Darts League (BMPDL) has suspended its programme to pave way for the Africa Day Doubles Tournament set for Raylton Sports Club this afternoon.

Focus will be on Archers’ players whose team is yet to lose a league match and they sit at the top of the table with nine points from nine games.
Archers captain Ernest Sibanda is expecting a tough competition.

“Cup games are different from league matches but as Archers we feel that this is the time to show that being at the top of the table is not a fluke and my players are ready for the tournament. We will try to have everyone participating so that they maintain the league rhythm,” said Sibanda.

The star-studded Archers’ hopes for the tournament have been pinned on the likes of Bornface Maningi, Tawanda Albert, Wilfred Chikakatira and Brian Ndlovu.

Archers’ players should expect tough competition from Railstars’ quintet of Sylvester Mudekwa, Patrick Zimidzi, Ndabezinhle Ngwenya, Meli Tshuma and Mgcini Nkala. The five were part of Bulawayo provincial team that took part at the National Darts Association of Zimbabwe (Ndaz) Provincial Championships held over the Easter holidays in Gweru.

Also expected to tag along a strong side is Parkview Lions.

Lions, captained by George Dube will have veteran Moses Ndlovu, Khulani Bhebhe, Geophrey Mazonde and Dennis Nkomo representing them at the Africa Day tournament.

Fourth on the table Zimbabwe School of Mines will bank on former Archers’ player Josphat Chirwa, Alfred Thozana, veteran Jackson Ndimande, Tinaro Machingami and Godfrey Muzonde to lead them in their search for silverware.

Malcolm Motta, a BMPDL official said they expect about 100 players to compete.

“As BMPDL we’re celebrating Africa Day in style by hosting a doubles competition. This is an open tournament and we’re looking forward to having a big a turnout since all league matches have been suspended,” said Motta.

Meanwhile, BMPDL matches resume next week with Archers being away at Mbizo Barracks while second placed Lions will be at home to Khami.

Defending champions Railstars will play host to How Mine with School of Mines being home to Bosso while anchors ZRP Bulawayo will be away at Wise Waters.

BMPDL Fixtures
June 1: Maisonic v Bellevue (Maisonic), Mbizo Barracks v Archers (Imbizo), Parkview Lions v Khami (Parkview Sports Club), Queens v Parkview Khanka (Queens Sports Club), Railstars v How Mine (Raylton), Support Unit Fairbridge (bye), Wise waters v ZRP Bulawayo (Wise waters), School of Mines v Bosso (School of Mines)