Devon Petersen has boldly predicted that Africa will begin to dominate darts within three years, declaring that people will look back and say, “Yeah, but Devon did say Africa was going to come through.” The South African made the prophecy after his return to the big stage at the World Cup of Darts, where he and partner Graham Filby bowed out with a win over Mongolia, having lost to Sweden.
Speaking to Online Darts, Petersen addressed the pressure of representing his continent: “I don’t think it’s pressure, it’s more expectation. I want to be the very best all the time and I want to represent Africa as well as I possibly can.” He acknowledged a “toxic climate” within South African darts where fans expect top-level performances constantly, but stressed he knows he must “put one foot in front of the other” after returning from injury.
Petersen outlined a clear timeline for African darts’ rise: “I think the next 12 to 18 months are going to be huge for African darts. We had the unfortunate situation of Uganda withdrawing from the event because of visa issues, but we won’t have the same problem next year. … I give Africa three years before we start to dominate.” He credited initiatives like the International Darts School League (IDSL) and Dartboard Maths for building the foundation.
The 13-time World Cup participant also called for a properly structured professional event in Africa, saying: “Having the lights, stage, cameras and action in Africa is the next big step. … I think within the next 24 months it’s within reach, maybe not necessarily a World Series event, but certainly something on the international stage.” He added that having personalities like Mark Webster involved would be a massive benefit.
Petersen emphasised the need to break down barriers to entry in Africa, where day-to-day life can feel restrictive. “What we’re creating now … is making sport part of the school curriculum itself — not just extracurricular, but co-curricular — because of the mathematical element that darts brings,” he said. “Through equipment donations from Mission and other partners, and through initiatives like Mission 369, we’re taking the sport directly into schools. … I genuinely believe darts can transform Africa, and myself and Graham Filby will do everything we can to help lead the way.”
