NEWS
DARTS – The Eswatini Royal Insurance Corporation (ESRIC) will continue its more than a decade-long partnership with the Eswatini National Darts Association (ENDA) through a renewed and improved sponsorship for the national darts league. This was revealed by ESRIC General Manager Zama Ngcobo during the ESRIC E150 000 Darts League prize-giving ceremony held at SibaneSami Hotel on Tuesday.
Although Ngcobo did not disclose the exact figure of the new sponsorship, which will extend the partnership to 16 years, he confirmed that the package is being finalised and will be an increase on the current E150 000 sponsorship. ESRIC and ENDA began their partnership in 2010, with the initial sponsorship valued at a modest E10 000. Ngcobo said ESRIC was pleased to continue supporting ENDA, citing the association’s visible and consistent growth of the sport over the years.
“I remember a time when darts were not considered a sport, but today it is one of the most played and fastest-developing. As sponsors, we are encouraged by the performances of players at both national and regional level, which is why we are committed to backing another edition of the league,” he said. “Unfortunately, I cannot reveal the exact figure at this stage, but it will be announced in due course when the package is officially unveiled. What I can confirm is that it will be an improvement on the current sponsorship.”
He further applauded the ENDA executive for running a well-organised association and wished the newly elected leadership success in their term of office. Ngcobo also commended teams for consistently demonstrating exemplary sportsmanship, noting the absence of violence or disruptions during competitions. Meanwhile, representing the Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council (ESRC) Chief Executive Officer, Business Development Manager Zama Tsabedze thanked ESRIC for its continued support of sport, not only darts.
Tsabedze praised ENDA for sustaining the sponsorship over such a long period, describing it as a remarkable achievement and urging other sports associations to emulate the partnership model.