KAZIMLA MFIKILI
Battling rough seas and unpredictable weather, the Border Angling Youth teams proved their mettle at the 2025 SA Shore Angling Association Junior Championships in Mossel Bay earlier this month, reeling in remarkable success.
The under-16 team earned a bronze medal, while the U21 team secured silver, showcasing their skill and determination in one of the country’s toughest fishing competitions.
Border Rock and Surf Angling chair Sheldon Richter had nothing but praise for the young anglers. Richter said the success of the teams could be credited to the influence and impact of the mangers Steven Rheeder and Brett Lennox as well as the coaches, Byron Muller and Lester Opperman.
“We are very blessed to have wealth of experience who have assisted the juniors. I applaud the young anglers for being able to implement what they have been taught. To get such brilliant results despite the tough conditions is exceptional,” Richter said.
Besides the team finishes, some of Borders finest young anglers were selected for junior SA teams. For the U16s, Cameron Rheeder received his second cap and Blake Clarke received his first cap. Thorn Masters earned his third cap at U21 level.
“Nationals were fun, and a lot of memories were made,” Cameron said.
The grade 10 Selborne College pupil added: “I’m proud of the team for getting bronze despite the tough conditions. Making the Proteas teams also means a lot me. I’m excited for every accolade we won.”
Steven Rheeder, who has managed the U21 team for the last seven years, was also reward with his second selection as the U21 Proteas manager.
The sport is a relatively small one, but Border Rock and Surf Angling is playing its part in increasing its exposure and expansion as the hosts of a school’s league where young anglers from various backgrounds fish for their schools.
Richter said: “It’s a beautiful sport where you can build lifelong friendships and get to acknowledge the natural beauty of the sea. Our aim is for the government to see our achievements, get on board and help us promote the sport in disadvantaged areas.”
Border Rock and Surf Angling will host an opening ceremony where new participants and club members join on February 9. During that day they will also host senior B-division and developmental nationals at Palm Springs, near Kidds Beach.
The Border Angling community suffered a bitter blow this past Saturday when one of the members of the medal winning U21 team, Dylan Botha was involved in a devastating car accident on the way back to East London from a provincial club angling league event held between Begha and Mgwalana.
Dylan, a matric pupil at George Randall High School, remains in critical condition with significant brain trauma and an induced coma at Frere Hospital. The angling community has since started a fundraising initiative to assist the family with medical costs and to support this initiative please visit: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/dylan-botha.
