A rising volleyball talent from Tongaat has made history as one of the youngest players selected for the South African under-19 team.

Shridhaan Lahldas (16) is representing the country at the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Games in Namibia, taking place from July 4 to 13.

Windhoek and Swakopmund are hosting the 11th edition of the Games, with more than 2 500 youth athletes and officials participating from 10 southern African countries: Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Volleyball runs in the family and Shridhaan is following in the footsteps of his father, former national team standout Ryaan “Spits” Lahldas.

Off the court, Shridhaan is also an accomplished angler. He earned KZN colours in fishing and competed at the inter-provincial tournament in Mossel Bay earlier this year.

The teenager, who represents the Anglers Volleyball Club juniors, says the AUSC Games is the most important event in his career, and he is determined to make his mark.

“Wearing the national colours for the first time is a dream come true,” he said. “I want to prove to my town, my country and my school that I can compete at the highest level.”

Shridhaan’s rise to the national team has been marked by perseverance and standout performances.

In 2022, he was part of the KwaZulu-Natal Schools under-14 team that clinched a national tournament victory in Cape Town. Two years later, he earned the Best Setter award at the SA Schools Sports Championships under-17 event in Pretoria.

One of his most emotional triumphs came last year, when he and his older brother, Avidhaar, led the KZN under-19 team to victory in Mpumalanga. The success came just weeks after their home was destroyed by the June tornado that devastated Tongaat and surrounding areas.

“It was a tough time, but we pushed through as a family. Winning that tournament together was special.”

Shridhaan is focused and ready to compete for honours at the AUSC Games.

“I am there to win. We are the South African volleyball team, after all – why can’t we?”

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