Father and son Zander (17) and Herman Booysen (44) have clinched the national tournament titles in their divisions for archery this year.

Herman competes for the Kosmos Archery Club, and Zander represents Hoërskool Hoogenhout. Zander began archery in 2022, and Herman, who attended his son’s events and practices, became interested in the sport.

This spurred him to get his own bow and arrows. Archery is a much-loved sport in the Booysen home, with mother Lelani (43) and sister Kaylin (15) also holding provincial colours.

“As a family, we are evolving in the sport and encourage each other to do better,” said Herman.

At the back of the family home is a target range where they can practice.

“We coach each other and share ideas. As a family, we grow as a group,” said Herman.

Zander was elected as the captain of the Mpumalanga schools A team, while Herman is the captain of the Mpumalanga seniors team and the South African team.

Herman received his South African colours in 2024, and Zander got his this year.

The two recently travelled with the South African national team to Namibia for the world tournament, where they competed against archers from Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Canada, and Zambia.

Zander’s junior team received silver in both the bullseye and 3D events. Herman’s team received gold in both the bullseye and 3D events.

The SA team was the overall tournament winner, and Zander was also chosen for the World Federation team, which comprises the top 16 archers in the tournament.

Archery is a fast-growing sport, with Mpumalanga getting individual podium spots at this year’s national tournament.

“Mpumalanga archers are doing well at the national level. We have achieved every goal we set for the year,” said Herman.

At the national tournament held in October, Zander received gold in the overall 3D event for juniors, silver in the bullseye event, and the title of overall junior tournament winner.

Herman won gold in the seniors’ 3D event and was the combined overall senior tournament winner.

“Archery teaches you persistence and discipline. I would recommend the sport to anyone,” said Herman.

He said setting goals for yourself and achieving them is a great feeling. Practising archery as a family is not only a competitive activity but also a bonding experience for the Booysens.

“Friendly competition is always there, and it’s good to share this sport as a family. We support each other,” said Herman.

Zander was recently awarded Hoërskool Hoogenhout’s best sportsboy of the year for his individual achievements in archery.

“It is hard work but rewarding. You have to be on top of your game all the time,” said Zander.

He said he would like to see more small schools taking on archery as a sport.

“More funding needs to be made available for smaller schools to take on this sport,” said Zander.

Both father and son’s goal is to compete in the Olympics. Herman’s personal best score is 296, and Zander has a personal best of 295. A perfect score is 300, and both are aiming for this.

“Age does not matter; you cannot outgrow archery. We will never stop; we just keep pushing. We will get the perfect score we are dreaming of,” said Herman.