Outjo shoot crowns new champions

African Genesis Archery (AGA) Namibia’s first shoot of the season saw Willem van der Merwe and Danika van Zijl crowned senior champions in the boys’ and girls’ sections, respectively.

Held at Moria Private School in Outjo, the season opener attracted 74 archers from clubs and schools across the country, competing in senior, junior and Cub categories.

Participants battled in the Bullseye and Animal Target rounds, with a combined maximum score of 1 200 points at stake for medals and national team selection.

Senior champions

Newly promoted to the boys’ senior section, Van der Merwe has been a standout in the junior ranks and now takes over from hall-of-fame archer Burton Weakley, who has matriculated.

Van der Merwe, representing Windhoek Afrikaans Private School (WAP), dominated his senior debut with a score of 1 162, ahead of Michael Basson (Community Hope School; 1 126) and Basson’s schoolmate Ashton Ntsamba (1 122).

In the senior girls’ section, Van Zijl of Pro-Ed Academy claimed gold with 1 088 points, succeeding reigning Golden Girl Teresa Kasomba, who has also matriculated.

Silver went to Anchè Heydenrych (Walvis Bay Private School; 1 081) and bronze to Mikayla Deck (WAP; 1 077).

Junior champions

The junior section’s outstanding players were as follows:

Boys: 1 Luka Jansen van Vuuren (Moria; 1 129), 2 Adrian Compaan (Moria; 1 097), 3 Ben Rothkegel (Central Elite Archery; 1 087).

Girls: 1 Jeandrie van der Merwe (WAP - 1 068), 2 Donaline Pieterson (Community Hope School; 1 067), 3 Charisme Rothen (Pro-Ed Academy; 1 008).

Cub champions

Boys: 1 Adriaan Venter (Moria), sole competitor.

Girls: 1 Jonel-Mel Robberts (Moria), 2 Olivia Sakeus (Windhoek Christian Academy).

AAG champions

Parents and those outside the school system also joined in on the fun, competing in the Adult Archery Group (AAG) category in the Bullseye and 3D Rounds, which carry a maximum score of 900.

Women: 1 Marionette de Waal (851), 2 Alyssa van Zijl (821), 3 Alida Bezuidenhout (775).

Men: 1 Fedaliz Basson (854), 2 Berend Blom (845), 3 Reinhold Rothkegel (829).

Event organiser Ronelle Raes praised the archers, range officials, parents and supporters for making the day a success.

“What an incredible day we shared. Every archer showed focus, determination and sportsmanship in the heat. Your dedication is what makes this sport so special,” she said.

Raes also commended the range officials for their patience, steady guidance and professionalism, which she noted ensured a fair and smooth tournament.

“To the parents and supporters who endured the long, hot hours alongside our athletes, your encouragement, smiles and quiet strength did not go unnoticed. You are the backbone of days like these,” she remarked.

The next shoot will be at Windheok High School on 28 February.

– [email protected]