Local angler to represent SA at international championships
Charles de Klerk is honoured to represent his country.
Groeneweide resident Charles de Klerk is a passionate angler who believes that South African anglers have helped put the country on the map, even though the sport is considered small.
The 53-year-old City of Ekurhuleni bus driver has been selected as a member of the Protea Masters team to participate in the International Bank Angling Championships, an international tournament, where he will compete against teams from New Zealand and Australia, in November.
Charles, who is part of the Eland Angling Club, said he is over the moon about the opportunity to represent his country.
“I would like to thank God for the strength He has given me. He carried me and will always carry me. I’m also grateful to my family and everyone who supports me,” he added.
Charles explained that he comes from a fishing family and has loved the sport from a young age.
“My dad taught me how to fish. I started loving it because I enjoy being in nature,” said De Klerk, who also recently won a club competition.
“We need to put our nation on the map. Even though the sport is small, we can still make a big impact for South Africa.”
“This is why I would be grateful if the government could intervene and assist. Angling is not like soccer – we have to fund everything ourselves.”
“My ultimate goal is to come back and introduce angling to the community, letting them know that the sport is out there. Not everyone can become a soccer star, but maybe they can find their place in angling.”
Furthermore, angling has given Charles the chance to travel and see many places, as he has been fishing all over South Africa as well as in Namibia.
However, Charles is in need of financial support to make his dream of going to Australia a reality.
Anyone who would like to assist may contact him on 073 928 3241.
Also Read: Woodlands pupils put their angling skills to the test
