Bulls-Eyes, Bushveld & Big Dreams! 

Thabazimbi — The usually quiet archery range at Hoërskool Frikkie Meyer echoed with cheers, focus, and flying arrows as 45 young archers from across the country converged for the 2025 SANIFAA (South African National & International Field Archery Association) Interschools Championship. Held in conjunction with the Thabazimbi Agricultural Show, this competition was more than a battle for medals — it was a celebration of talent, friendship, and true Bushveld hospitality.

A SHOT ABOVE THE REST
In a thrilling multi-discipline competition including Indoor, 3-D, and Field archery, learners from Waterkloof (Pretoria), Merensky (Tzaneen), and Frikkie Meyer (Thabazimbi) showcased their precision and perseverance.

Top Performers:

• Marco Janse van Rensburg (Waterkloof) edged out local star Mardus Ras in the Young Adult Male Freestyle Unlimited category — by just two points!
• Amori Weatherall-Thomas (Frikkie Meyer) clinched gold in Junior Female Bowhunter.
• Suzaan Bekker, also from Frikkie Meyer, proudly took home bronze in her debut competition.
• Reinhart Labuschagne and Dewald Bekker secured silver, showing the school’s depth of talent.

Cubs Climb the Ranks

The under-13 “Cubs” left a lasting impression with outstanding scores:

• Pieter Steenkamp (Laerskool Thabazimbi) won gold in Cub Male Bowhunter Unlimited.
• Jordan Naudé (Laerskool van Wykskraal) followed with silver.
• Mienke Snyman and Cara-May Els brought home gold in their respective female Cub categories.

Mountain Ranges & Mental Focus
The competition kicked off with practice rounds on Friday, 1 August 2025, culminating in a day of full-on competition on Saturday. Archers faced tough challenges — a hyena target up a steep climb, a 45° uphill leopard shot, and a nerve-wracking decline towards a nyala. These unique courses were designed by Chris Welgemoed, chairperson of the Thabazimbi Archery Club.

Friends, Rivals, and Bushveld Vibes
Competition aside, camaraderie and sportsmanship shone through. Learners from different provinces bonded over bushveld fires, music, and great food — many experiencing an agricultural show for the first time. Teachers and parents played a vital support role, ensuring the archers were well-fed and encouraged every step of the way.

FINAL RANKINGS

• 1st Place – Waterkloof
• 2nd Place – Frikkie Meyer
• 3rd Place – Merensky

Coordinator Lusette von Wielligh praised the event, saying, “Archery is an individual sport where you can shine, push your limits, or just enjoy the challenge.” For practice times or to join, contact Hoërskool Frikkie Meyer at 014 777 1584.

From the bushveld breeze to bullseyes — our young archers proved they’ve got both heart and aim! 

Main photo: Marco Janse van Rensburg (Waterkloof) narrowly clinched gold over local favourite Mardus Ras in an intense Freestyle Unlimited showdown. Just 2 points separated these two top archers.