Makanga, Odoi shine at New Year Darts Open

_____________________

Sarah Makanga and Job Odoi reaffirmed their dominance in Ugandan darts with a commanding performance at the New Year’s Open held at Mamerito Hotel in Bweyogerere, Wakiso district.

The two, who made headlines in 2023 by winning the men's and women’s Africa Cup titles, kicked off the 2025 season in style, securing victories in their respective categories on Sunday, February 9.

In the women’s final, Bank of Uganda’s Makanga, the reigning Africa champion, outclassed Winnie Asuga 5-1. Meanwhile, in the men’s final, 2023 Africa champion Job Odoi of Uganda Wildlife Authority defeated reigning Africa champion David Tabaro in a clean sweep, winning 5-0.

On their way to the finals, Makanga overcame Gloria Omwonya 4-0, while Asuga edged past Margaret Tumuhaiswe in the semi-finals. In the men’s semi-finals, Tabaro battled past Steven Abibi 4-2, as Odoi breezed through Patrick Katerega 4-0.

Sarah Makanga in action during the New Years Open at Mamerito Hotel. (PHOTO BY JOHNSON WERE)

In the team event, Uganda Wildlife Authority continued their dominance, securing the title after beating Prisons and Police.

Ariong stresses discipline

Meanwhile, discipline has been placed at the forefront of the Uganda Darts Association’s (UDA) agenda for 2025.

Speaking at the tournament’s closing ceremony, UDA chairman, Abel Ariong, underscored the importance of upholding good conduct among players.

“Discipline is what portrays who we are as darts, and I will not at any time tolerate indiscipline of any kind with immediate effect,” Ariong stated.

His remarks followed an incident involving Police’s Franco Oyugi, who fought with Augustus Ndigendawa and, in the scuffle, accidentally punched Kzone chairman Elias Rukundo, injuring his eye as he tried to intervene.

“We want to improve our discipline to protect the image of darts because all of us here are adults with children, and whoever wants to fight should go to the boxing federation in Lugogo,” added Ariong, a former boxer.

Despite the altercation, Ariong was pleased with the high level of competition, noting that last year’s top players had once again reached the finals, indicating consistency and growth in the sport.

He urged players to intensify their training ahead of the ranking tournaments, which will be used to select national teams for international competitions, including the World Cup in September and the Africa Cup in October.