At just 13 years old, Kushalin Lingham has already made his mark on the soccer field. Originally from Laudium, now living in Heuweloord, the Grade 7 learner who attends Springvale Primary in Wierdapark, was the only South African Indian player selected to take part in the JCT trials in late 2024. Out of over 250 players, Kushalin was chosen as one of the top 60 in Northern Gauteng. In July this year, he went on to represent Northern Gauteng at the Bill Stewart Provincial Tournament, earning full Provincial colours in soccer. Proud parents, Ishvirin and Devarani Lingham told the Laudium Sun, “Kushalin has been kicking the ball around from the tender age of just 18 months and this passion just kept growing. No matter how small built he is, no matter the constant criticism he faced, he never allowed anyone to break him down. We are extremely proud of Kushalin’s unwavering dedication and perseverance. We watched him strive and work ten times harder than any other child, to achieve his Provincial colours. Our prayers go far beyond this achievement, son.”