A new chapter is beginning at the Victoria Falls World Challenge Pigeon Race!Â
The internationally renowned One Loft Race in Zimbabwe has announced an important addition to its professional team. South African pigeon enthusiast and accomplished fancier Drikus Odendaal is joining Victoria Falls as its full time Loft Manager and Trainer.
With 29 years of experience in racing pigeons, a championship title to his name and seven years of managing his own One Loft Race, Drikus brings considerable practical knowledge to one of the most exciting international competitions in our sport.
For Victoria Falls, this appointment represents another investment in the people responsible for preparing and caring for the pigeons that will compete on the world stage.
Drikus Odendaal: A Lifetime Dedicated to Racing Pigeons
Pigeon racing runs deep in the Odendaal family. Drikus grew up with the sport through his father, who has also been racing pigeons for many years. What began as a family passion has developed into a serious and successful career.
Today, Drikus holds the title of current champion of the Highveld Pigeon Union, part of the East Rand Pigeon Federation in South Africa. This achievement reflects his experience as a competitive fancier in a country with a strong pigeon racing tradition.
His expertise extends beyond his own racing loft.
For the past seven years, Drikus has also been responsible for running Winners Flight One Loft Race, giving him valuable experience in the daily management, conditioning and training of pigeons competing under a common loft management system.
Running a One Loft Race requires a different approach from managing a private racing team. Hundreds or even thousands of pigeons, often originating from different breeders and bloodlines, must adapt to the same environment and training programme.
The responsibilities are considerable, and the smallest management decisions can influence how a team develops throughout the season.
Drikus will now step away from his involvement with Winners Flight to concentrate fully on his new position at Victoria Falls.
An Important Role Behind the Scenes
As Loft Manager and Trainer, Drikus will be involved in virtually every important operational stage of the Victoria Falls programme.
His responsibilities will include the breeding station, quarantine loft management, settling newly arrived pigeons, training, race management and the selection of pigeons for export following the racing season.
These are essential responsibilities in an international One Loft Race.
Long before the first official competition, a great deal of work must be completed. Pigeons arrive from different countries, go through the required quarantine procedures, become accustomed to their new surroundings and gradually progress through a carefully managed training programme.
The preparation of these athletes is an ongoing process that requires observation, experience and consistency.
By appointing someone with Drikus’s practical background, Victoria Falls is strengthening the professional team responsible for this demanding work.
The Pigeon Boss welcomes Drikus Odendaal to Victoria Falls and wishes him every success in his new position!
Victoria Falls 2027: The International Challenge Awaits
While the team prepares for another exciting season, pigeon fanciers around the world are getting ready for the 2027 Victoria Falls World Challenge Pigeon Race.
The competition brings together racing pigeons from numerous countries, allowing breeders and fanciers to compare their bloodlines against international opposition under the same loft management and training conditions.
This is one of the most fascinating aspects of One Loft Racing.
Whether you have spent decades building a successful breeding family or are an ambitious newcomer with a promising team of youngsters, the attraction is the same. Your pigeons have the opportunity to compete against birds bred by fanciers from across the world.
The 2027 programme features eight Hotspot races leading up to the spectacular Final Race, currently scheduled for Friday, 2 July 2027, over a distance of 591 kilometres.
There is plenty at stake. Victoria Falls advertises an impressive US$1,000,000 total prize schedule, distributed across the Final Race, Hotspot competitions and additional classifications, subject to the official competition rules.
But the attraction goes far beyond prize money.
It is about international competition, testing breeding quality, following the development of your pigeons and experiencing the excitement of a world class racing series.
Entries Are Still Open: Your Pigeons Could Be Part of It!
Here is the important news for every fancier who has been considering joining Victoria Falls.
Entries for the 2027 season are still open!
Pigeons have already arrived from countries across Europe, Africa, the Americas, Asia and beyond. The international field is taking shape, but there is still an opportunity to become part of this exciting edition.
According to the race organisers, intake through official country agents closes toward the end of October 2026. Exact collection dates and transport arrangements vary by country, so interested fanciers should make contact as quickly as possible.
Your official country agent can help you with the entry procedure, transport arrangements, paperwork and the applicable requirements for sending your pigeons to Zimbabwe.
Find your official Victoria Falls agent here>>>
For race details, regulations, entry forms and the latest news, visit:
https://www.victoriafallswcpr.com/
The Pigeon Boss Says: Give Your Champions a Chance!
Every successful racing pigeon begins with a breeder who believes in its potential.
The great thing about One Loft Racing is that the next outstanding performer can come from an established champion loft or from a passionate fancier who has never competed internationally before.
Victoria Falls offers the opportunity to put those breeding ambitions to the test.
With experienced people such as Drikus Odendaal joining the operation, preparations for the new season are moving forward.
So, if you have a promising youngster in your loft and have been thinking about entering an international One Loft Race, this is the moment to explore your options.
Contact your country agent, find out what is required and give your pigeons the opportunity to compete at Victoria Falls in 2027.
Because somewhere among the young pigeons entering this season could be a future international champion.
Why shouldn’t it be yours?
Jan de Wijs
The Pigeon Boss
