Northern Cape archers take aim at national glory
Northern Cape archers are preparing to compete at the AGA-SA National Tournament in Polokwane from October 7-10, with 41 athletes representing the province.
Image: Supplied
The archery community of the Northern Cape is preparing for one of its proudest moments as 41 local athletes gear up to represent the province at the Africa Genesis Archery South Africa (AGA-SA) National Tournament.
The prestigious competition will take place between October 7-10 at the Polokwane International Airport, where more than a thousand archers from across the country are expected to compete.
For the Northern Cape team, the tournament is not just another competition. It includes three championships – the National Inter-Provincial, the National Adult Archery Generation, and the National Inter-Schools and Clubs – making it the pinnacle event of the local calendar.
For many athletes, it is also a launchpad to even bigger dreams, as outstanding performers will be considered for selection to represent South Africa in Botswana at the 2026 Africa Tournament and in Canada at the 2027 International Tournament.
Schools in the Northern Cape have played an important role in this success story by embracing archery as an alternative sport. By doing so, they have opened doors for young athletes to discover talents that may otherwise have gone unnoticed. These schools, along with dedicated volunteers, have become the foundation of archery’s growth in the province.
For the Northern Cape team, the tournament is not just another competition. It includes three championships – the National Inter-Provincial, the National Adult Archery Generation, and the National Inter-Schools and Clubs – making it the pinnacle event of the local calendar.
Image: Supplied
Behind the achievements stand coaches, coordinators, and parents who spend countless hours nurturing skills, motivating athletes, and creating opportunities. Their work was evident in Boshof last weekend, where the ABO/3D Federation hosted a two-day 3D championship. Over 35 archers from across South Africa tested themselves on challenging courses while the community added a festive spirit with food stalls and warm hospitality.
Event organiser John Filmalter summed it up by saying the championships are not only about competition but also about showcasing the Northern Cape’s community spirit and unique character.
The Northern Cape archers haver been hauling in medals at a steady pace, and they have the potential to bring even more silverware home.
Image: Supplied
Participation comes at a cost
Yet, alongside the celebration lies a challenge. Participation comes at a high cost – around a whopping R15,000 per archer – covering travel, accommodation, apparel, and tournament fees. Sadly, some talented athletes have already had to decline their places due to financial constraints. The Northern Cape Sport and Recreation Authority has provided partial assistance, but more help is urgently needed to ensure that every selected athlete can compete.
Filmalter and his team are also looking to the future with plans for an innovative Archery Festival in October. This event will combine bull’s-eye and 3D archery in a first-of-its-kind competition featuring a 20-target range with distances up to 100 yards for professionals – the longest of its kind in South Africa.
Archery, with its emphasis on focus, patience, and determination, has been transformative for many young people in the Northern Cape. It provides a sporting space where age and size matter less than discipline and perseverance. The 41 athletes preparing for Polokwane carry not only their bows but also the hopes of their families, coaches, and communities.
As they take aim at national glory, the Northern Cape public is invited to rally behind them. Sponsorships, fund-raising, and awareness efforts will make the difference between dreams deferred and dreams realised. For details on how to support, contact AGA Northern Cape provincial coordinator Philip Kotze on 082 651 7989 or philip1.kotze@gmail.com.
Senior Team: Pierre Fourie, Philip Kotze, Karin Bester, Schalk van der Merwe, Chloè Janse van Rensburg, Jamilla Beckmann, Kevin Ponton, Shihaam Joemat, Marinda O’Connel, Jan Visagie, Johan van Zyl, Terence van Eck, Mornè Ebersohn, Zuleiga Barday, Nerine Ebersohn, and Kobus Von Wielligh.
Junior Team: Athrah Arnold, Fatima Mustapha, Tshepo Moeketsi, Hezekiah Lodewyk, M Ibraheem Hunter, Naadirah Cader, Otniel van Wyk, Aaliyah Paulsen, Dylan O’Connel, Leandra Von Wielligh, Lilly-Ann Heuwel, Nusrah Beckmann, Resego Sebogodi, Haajirah Hunter, Abdullah Habib, Mark Ebersohn, Duan van Niekerk, (Mariam Richards, and Jorrick Marais are competing as individual archers)