Cameron Carolissen, 20, a former Wittebome High School pupil, packed a pair of gloves, along with his set of darts, as he heads for next week’s championships, in Bloemfontein. Word from the weather man is that it’s going to be cold.
However, Carolissen is considered one of the hottest properties on the darts scene. If he can keep his hands warm and his focus sharp, he stands a real chance of coming back a champion.
A member of Saints Darts Club, the young man will represent the Mitchell’s Plain Recreation Association (MPRA) and the Western Cape at the national championships.
He was one of six players selected for the WC side from the 36 that took part in the Western Cape trials, in Bellville, in May. As a junior, he made the WP side on two occassions, in 2012 and 2013, but never made the Western Cape side. He believes making the WC side in his first year in the senior category is something special.
“To me it is a big step because I always believed that one-day I will make it but I did not expect it to come so soon. My main aim is to get the green blazer and to represent my country,” he said.
He said the sport runs in his veins as he’s not the only darts player in his family. His sister Tayla won gold in the youth section at the World Darts Federation (WDF) World Cup of Darts, in Turkey, last year. She got her first taste of world cup action three years ago and is also a two-time SA junior national champion.
Carolissen said he was taught the basics of the game by his father Matthew and his aunty Samantha Jeftha when he was only 12. Carolissen said he watched them play and thought he would give it a try.
“To me it was first a hobby and then I realised it was something that I am good at. I developed darts into a sport and from that time until now it is something that I love doing and something that I can’t get away from,” he said.
He said his father gave him tips on how to throw darts and guidelines to get better in the sport.
“Once I got to a mature level it was all about mindset,” he said.
“One needs to take whatever they have gained from practice and use it in a game situation. You need to be constantly focused and set goals for yourself,” he said.
Carolissen said having the club house at his home plays an important role in him doing well.
“During the day I am at varsity then at night I can practise my darts. I practise about three to four hours each evening. It is also a great help knowing that I don’t’ need to travel to far to get to a venue,” he said.
His father said his development has been exceptional and would like to see him continue his good form.
“I would like to see him receive his SA colours and to represent the country. He’s been trying from youth days to get his colours and now he has a good opportunity of getting them. Outside of darts he is a funny guy who likes making jokes,” he said.
