Ambience Reporter
Walvis Bay, Namibia — The Zimbabwe archery team made a resounding impact at the Region 5 tournament held from August 22nd to 24th, showcasing their skills against some of Southern Africa’s finest archers in Walvis Bay, Namibia.
The tournament attracted elite competitors from Zambia, South Africa, Botswana, and the host nation, Namibia. Zimbabwe fielded two formidable squads: a National team and a Development team, each comprised of 16 skilled archers.
In a competition celebrated for its intensity and prestige, Zimbabwe’s Development team shone brightly, finishing third overall in the fiercely contested 3D (animals) category and securing silver medals in the Bullseye event.
Jonathan Howard emerged as a key performer, demonstrating remarkable talent by clinching bronze in both the 3D and Bullseye categories. His exceptional cumulative score earned him the gold medal for combined results, as well as an overall bronze for his performance throughout the tournament.
The National team also displayed strong performances, capturing bronze in the 3D category. Andrew Manning stood out, finishing 9th in Africa and marking his rise as a promising talent in the sport.
Under the dedicated guidance of coaches Rob Jackson, Simon Allot, Michael Philp, and Ray Funani, and bolstered by the unwavering support of teachers and families, the Zimbabwean archers exhibited tremendous skill and potential for future endeavors.
Their success in this tournament has fueled their aspirations, with plans to retain a large part of the team for the upcoming year and to promote broader participation in archery across the nation.
Looking forward, Zimbabwe aims to host the 2026 Region 5 championships, with an official bid anticipated by November 2024. Botswana is also vying for the hosting rights, promising a competitive selection process. Meanwhile, South Africa emerged victorious in the tournament, while Namibia performed admirably on home turf.
This year’s event not only highlighted Zimbabwe’s burgeoning talent in archery but also laid a strong foundation for future achievements. With a growing archery community, Zimbabwe is set to reach even greater heights in the years ahead.
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 outlook for Zimbabwean archery is promising as the team aims for more podium finishes and heightened recognition on the international stage.
