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The Citizen
09-08-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Durban North athletes makes a splash in Namibia
DURBAN North resident Indiana de Villiers put in an exceptional performance at the recent African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games in Namibia, winning 10 medals (four gold and six silvers). This was the Grade 12 Our Lady of Fatima learner's first international gala. De Villiers' efforts helped push the country's medal tally up to 144 which included 65 golds for SA athletes across various sporting codes. Speaking on her performance in the pool, the 18-year-old said she felt an enormous sense of pride wearing the green and gold. Also read: Durban North resident reflects on Amashova victory 'Before the competition I was content with making the finals as I didn't really know what to expect as it was my first international gala. My first event at the games was the 50m butterfly which is my favourite event. I think winning that and achieving a personal best settled my nerves. 'After the race I thought 'maybe I can actually do really well here'. I'm really happy with my performances, aside from the 50m butterfly I also achieved other personal best (PB) times which I was ecstatic about. The best part for me was representing your country and standing on the podium listening to our national anthem, I just got goosebumps,' she said. In all, her four gold medals were won in the 50m butterfly, the 4×100 freestyle relay, the 4×100 medley relay gold and the 4×100 mixed relay freestyle. De Villiers, who is a member of Aqua Athletes Durban, is coached by Tracey Hemphill, who also happened to be one of the Team SA coaches at the event. Video: Durban North resident shapes bodyboarding journey 'I really enjoyed having her there with me. She gave me good peace of mind and helped me with the mental aspect of the competition. I was a bit nervous to race in such a big gala but Tracey helped me so much. It was special to share the moment with my coach,' she said. For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here
The Citizen
24-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Tongaat teen volleyballer claims silver medal in national debut
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. '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.' Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below.
