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OWN CORRESPONDENT
Walvis Bay, Namibia — The Zimbabwe archery team made a powerful statement at the Region 5 tournament, held from August 22nd to 24th, as they competed against some of Southern Africa’s best in Walvis Bay, Namibia.
The event brought together top archers from Zambia, South Africa, Botswana, and the host nation, Namibia. Zimbabwe’s presence was felt with two strong teams: a National team and a Development team, each comprising 16 talented archers.
In a tournament renowned for its intensity and prestige, Zimbabwe’s Development team delivered outstanding results. The team secured a third-place finish overall in the highly competitive 3D (animals) category and grabbed silver medals in the Bullseye event.
A standout performance came from Jonathan Howard, who demonstrated exceptional skill, earning bronze in both the 3D and Bullseye categories. He further distinguished himself by winning gold for combined scores and clinching an overall bronze with his cumulative performance.
The National team also showcased their skill, capturing bronze in the 3D category. Among the top performers was Andrew Manning, who ranked 9th in Africa, solidifying his position as a rising star in the sport.
Under the expert guidance of coaches Rob Jackson, Simon Allot, Michael Philp, and Ray Funani, and with support from a dedicated group of teachers and families, the Zimbabwean archers displayed remarkable prowess and a strong potential for future success. This tournament has fueled their ambition, with plans to retain much of the team for next year and to inspire greater participation in the sport across the nation.
Looking ahead, Zimbabwe has set its sights on hosting the 2026 Region 5 championships, with an official bid expected by November 2024. Botswana is also in the running to host, ensuring a competitive selection process. South Africa ultimately took home the tournament’s top honors, while Namibia delivered a robust performance on home soil.
This year’s event has not only underscored Zimbabwe’s growing talent in archery but also laid the groundwork for future triumphs. With a burgeoning archery community, Zimbabwe is poised to reach even greater heights in the years to come.
Zimbabwe National Team Roster:
– Andrew Manning
– Savannah Hunter
– Tapiwa Dzvairo
– Isabella Nicolle
– Musa Kurenzvi
– Devam Patel
– Vuso Mlambo
– Matthew Hildebrand
– Isabella Philp
– Margaret Songore
– Matthew Gratwicke
– Juliet Whitaker
– Ivy-Blue Nice
– Mandisa Mucheki
– Tayla Logan
– Khia Yatras
Zimbabwe Development Team Roster:
– Jonathan Howard
– Nathan Chanakira
– Kaden Hahn
– Madison Marshall
– Busi Ndlovu
– Blaise Fouche
– Riaan Bezuidenhout
– Lianna Mashumba
– Nonhlanhla Nyathi
– Lizzy Whitaker
– Christiano Uriri
– Rutendo Gambara
– Melissa Zambe
– Garth Walraven
– Grace Makwangudze
– Noku Chandiwana
Coaching Staff:
– Rob Jackson
– Simon Allot
– Michael Philp
– Ray Funani
The future looks bright for Zimbabwean archery as the team sets its sights on more podium finishes and greater recognition on the international stage.