BY KWANELE TSABEDZE
MBABANE – More angling programmes for the youth are coming.
This was revealed by Derek Hopf who is the President of the Angling Association of Eswatini when speaking about the fishing sport in the country. Hopf was commenting on Eswatini’s performance in the World Championships which were held in the United States of America last month, when speaking to Eswatini TV yesterday.
Hopf revealed that Eswatini is currently in the top three in Africa and that this is a consistent placement for the country’s team.
“It is a huge achievement for the small little community as we have in Eswatini, so we are very proud of that position. For many years we were second or first. There was a time when we were first in the world, even beating South Africa – that was eight years ago, and I think that kind of spurred South Africa to participate at a higher level,” said Hopf.
Hopf added that they are looking to grow the angling community in Eswatini by incorporating youth programmes, some which come with scholarships for the youth.
“The development programme is where we are pushing some exciting developments which have happened in this recent trip to America. One of the things which is catching everyone’s attention is the issue of scholarships. So, in order to be able to get that scholarship, you need to be able to catch fish, specifically bass. There is a skill involved, so we need to impart that skill to the next generation,” said Hopf.
He added that the scholarships are really aimed at 17/18 year old youth.
“We have a number of youth that are in the fishing fraternity already, but we will be holding development weekends,” said Hopf, adding that more details will be revealed as the programme is developed.
Eswatini came third in Africa, following South Africa and Zimbabwe, at the recently held World Angling Championships in the US.
