The Angling Professional League (APL) cast off on August 19 with League 1 at Zaaihoek Dam.

The contest was eagerly awaited by the five affiliates, with all clubs determined to make a statement on the opening day.

Dannhauser AC entered as favourites after their red-hot form last season.

Long-standing affiliates Breakwaters, Challengers, and Stillwater’s AC have strengthened their squads with new signings, while newcomers Zullystrans AC arrived with a powerful line-up intent on making their mark.

It was sweet revenge for the rejuvenated Breakwaters outfit as they struck first, emerging victorious with 34 points.

Challengers AC were second with 24 points, while Zullystrans AC impressed in third spot on 17 points, narrowly edging out Dannhauser AC on 16.

Stillwaters AC ended in fifth with 12 points.

The unexpected result has already set the tone for a fiercely contested league.

With fishing being done at a relatively unknown venue, predicting outcomes is proving difficult.

Clubs will need to bring their A-game throughout the campaign to stay in contention.

In the Mohamed Midas League standings, Breakwaters AC leads with 10 points, followed by Challengers AC (8), Zullystrans AC (6), Dannhauser AC (4), and Stillwaters AC (2).

Revaaj Buduram of Breakwaters AC was judged ‘Angler of the Day’ and earned 6 points and won a Docks reel bag, an outright trophy,a red cap, and R200 prize for his impressive haul on a day when many anglers blanked.

The current top three anglers are:

• 1st: Revaaj Buduram (BAC – 6 pts)
• 2nd: Vis Govender (CAC – 6 pts)
• Joint 3rd: Ajen Goli (CAC – 5 pts) and Faizel Seedat (BAC – 5 pts).

Top anglers from other clubs included:

• Andre Wilson (Stillwaters AC – 3 pts),
• Basheer Abdool (Dannhauser AC – 5 pts),
• and Amith Pullen (Zullystrans AC – 4 pts).

The APL is proudly sponsored by Mohamed Midas, who also sponsors the ‘Angler of the Day’ award.

The Knockout Competition and Grand Challenge will be sponsored by Ahmed Yusuf Amedjee of AA Coaches.

The league has received a welcome boost thanks to new sponsorships, injecting much-needed funds into the competition. The top three

‘Anglers of the Year’ will be rewarded with tackle vouchers worth R3 000, R2 000, and R1 000, respectively, while the overall winner will also enjoy a family weekend valued at R4 000.

The top angler from each club not in the overall top three will receive a R250 tackle voucher, while the ‘Lady Angler of the Year’ will be awarded a R1 000 voucher.

League 2 will also take place at Zaaihoek Dam on September 7, with the competition expected to remain wide open.

Registration is currently open.

Interested anglers may contact any of the affiliated clubs for membership and registration details.

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