Albertonians Herman Potgieter and his son, Lehan, are keen competitors and members of the South African Practical Shooting Association (SAPSA).
The duo did exceptionally well at this year’s International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) Handgun World Shoot XIX held in Pattaya, Thailand.
When interviewed by the Alberton Record, they talked about their love for the sport and its benefits.
A once-in-a-lifetime experience
The World Shoot was an amazing experience. We have never shot anything like it before and it was our biggest and most enjoyable match yet,” said Herman and Lehan.
The event comprised 30 stages over five areas, and the main sponsor was CZ firearms. The competition could accommodate 1 600 competitors, but only 1 345 competitors from 73 countries competed.
Lehan placed sixth place in his division and third place in the shoot-off. Herman came 28th in his division. Herman said that Lehan did really well and that he is very proud of his son. Lehan was very sick on his first and second days. His third day was a rest day which was perfect timing as it allowed him to recover and come back strong for the next three days.
It was Lehan’s first time in Thailand and he felt honoured to visit the country.
A passion for practical shooting
Herman has introduced to the sport six years ago when a friend introduced him to practical shooting. Lehan was exposed to sports shooting at the age of eight. At the age of 10, he began to compete competitively.
“The bug has bitten both of us and we have never looked back.”
The pair said that practice is vital in this sport. They spend three days a week on the shooting range for major match preparation, shooting live ammunition and two hours daily doing dry fire exercises at home.
Herman said that you can do this sport your whole life and families can do it too.
“At first, getting all the gear is expensive, but it gets better. Later, it is just the licensing of your firearms that is painful,” he explained.
Lehan said he most likes the sport’s adrenaline rush. “I like every aspect of it,” he said.
The practical shooting community is warm, welcoming and always willing to assist and or teach you a trick or two.
A challenge for Lehan is the lengthy preparation of the ammunition.
For Herman, it is time management between his work and personal life.
“You need to practise a lot to be a top competitor and I sometimes feel I don’t have enough hours in a week for everything.”One of Lehan’s dreams is to open his own firearm shop or anything related to the shooting industry.
Herman said he can’t describe seeing Lehan in action on the field.“He is just amazing. I am so proud of him. He has a bright future ahead and I am honoured to be able to enjoy every moment with him,” said Herman.
The sport benefits its practitioners in many ways. It builds core and arm strength, helps with mental processing and focus, relieves stress, improves focus, helps with a positive mind and teaches one discipline.
“Gun safety is a lifestyle,” said the Pogieters.
Thank you
Herman thanked his wife, Lisa, for her support, love and patience.”We would not be able to shoot if it was not for everything Lisa has done for us. Also, a big thank you to my three other children, Tania, Anrie and Waldo for their support. I am not blind to your sacrifices.”
Lehan says thank you to his father and family for all their advice, support and time.
Excited about the future
It was confirmed that the next handgun world shoot competition will take place in South Africa in 2025. The event will be held in the North West Province at the Frontier Shooting Range in Stilfontein.“This is big and positive for our country.
We are working for Lehan to be the next production super junior world champion at that world shoots.
“It is definitely within his reach with the necessary training and hard work, but we are looking forward to it.”
Herman said they are now preparing for the Pistol Calibre Carbine (PCC) World Shoot in the Czech Republic in October for which Lehan made the national team selected as a springbok shooter.
SASCOC has confirmed that Lehan at 13 years young has become the youngest-ever springbok in the history of sport shooting.
