THE dedication and excellence of a Kloof High School pair should serve as inspiration to young dreamers across KZN and the country as they  prepare for an international angling championship.

Grade Nine pupil Kaiden Pillay (14) and his teammate, Grade Eight pupil Samuel (Sam) Forbes (13 turning 14), have been called up to the SA U16 angling team which will take part in the World U16 Junior Championships in Peniscola, Spain, from September 27 to October 3.

The duo said they are excited by the opportunity to take part in the tournament and hope to reel in medals.

@caxtonlocalmedia From Kloof High to the World Stage! Kaiden Pillay(14) & Samuel Forbes (13) will be representing SA at the U16 World Junior Angling Champs in Spain 🇿🇦✨ Will they reel in the gold? More on the Highway Mail website 🏆🐟 #HighwayMail #YouthInSport #FishingChampionship #DurbanNews ♬ original sound – caxtonlocalmedia

Both Kaiden and Sam said they started fishing at a very young age, having been introduced to surf casting by family members.

This type of fishing, competition, explained Kaiden, is about targeting certain species of fish of a particular length in order to gain points.

“I took up surf casting recently and I really liked and enjoyed it,” said Sam, who added that he began fishing at the age of three or four.

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Kaiden, who was introduced to fishing at the age of four by his father, said: “My dad’s friend got me into surf casting and I have really enjoyed it ever since.”

Whether as a hobby or a side hustle, the Kloof High duo were in agreement that fishing – surf casting – will be a lifetime labour.

“It will not be a hobby anymore because now you are like professionals,” Kloof High School deputy principal, Dr Avash Juggernath, advised the anglers.

For Kaiden and Sam, it will not be just about medals, but also about enjoying the experience, competition and taking in the scenery of a foreign country.

Speaking on behalf of the school, Dr Juggernath congratulated the pair for their outstanding commitment and dedication, which he said serve as a great example for other up and coming surf casting anglers.

“They have already served as role models to others and I am sure they will do Kloof High School proud,” said the deputy principal.

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