Tongaat teenager Shridhaan Lahldas made his national volleyball debut at the Region 5 Games, returning with silver for South Africa.

The South African U19 men’s volleyball team delivered a spirited performance at the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Games, held from July 4 to 13 in Namibia.

South Africa progressed to the final after edging out Malawi in a tense five-set semi-final (3-2), but were ultimately outplayed by a dominant Zimbabwean side, who secured gold with a straight-sets victory (3-0).

The AUSC Region 5 Games saw 10 southern African nations compete across various sporting codes, with the volleyball matches held in Windhoek.

Lahldas (17), a Grade 11 pupil at Seatides Combined School and player for Anglers Volleyball Club juniors, described the tournament as a dream come true.

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“There are no words to describe the feeling of representing my country for the first time,” he said.

Despite falling short in the final, Lahldas said the experience was invaluable.

“Playing against different countries meant adapting to new styles and tactics. There were lots of small variables to adjust to.”

He praised Zimbabwe’s strength and noted South Africa had suffered several injuries ahead of the final.

“Their power hitters came at us with brutal force. They flew through the air and sped around the court; it was intense. We had some injuries but not enough time to recover on the day.”

His father, Ryaan Lahldas, a former Proteas volleyball player who represented South Africa for 14 years, said the family was extremely proud of Shridhaan’s achievement.

“He was bound to take up the sport, it runs in the family and is one of the main sports in Tongaat.”

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