St John’s College student and Zimbabwean triathlon sensation Zander Botha, 16, continues to raise the country’s flag high after scooping the Junior Sportsperson of the Year accolade at the Regional Annual Sports Awards (RASA) held in Luanda, Angola last weekend.
The award comes barely months after Botha was crowned the 2025 Annual National Sports Awards (ANSA) Junior Sportsman of the Year following a remarkable season in which he dominated regional and continental competitions.
In 2025, the young athlete was crowned National Champion and collected four gold medals at Troutbeck, the AR Tri Youth Championships, the Namibia Youth Championships and the Africa Youth Championships, cementing his status as one of Zimbabwe’s brightest sporting prospects.
An emotional Botha said winning the regional accolade came as a surprise and described the achievement as humbling.
“It makes me feel really great. I can’t believe that this has happened. I never expected to be able to win this, but I’m really honoured. I’m really humbled by this. It’s really great,” said Botha.
The St John’s College learner attributed his rapid rise in the sport to the support he continues to receive from his coaches, family and faith.
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“My coaches, my parents and most of all, Jesus Christ,” he said when asked what has driven his success.
Botha’s triumph in Angola adds another chapter to what has already been a memorable year for the junior athlete, whose consistency and discipline have made him one of the standout young talents on the African triathlon circuit.
Despite already collecting top honours both locally and regionally, the ambitious youngster believes the journey is only beginning and has set his sights on bigger stages.
“So right now I’m setting my eyes on the Africa Games next year. Someday the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and maybe even further,” he said.
Botha’s achievements have not only brought pride to his school and family, but have also provided hope for Zimbabwean sport as the country continues to produce promising young athletes capable of competing at the highest level.