Two local anglers, Vishal Dookhi and Brandon Halforty, will be proudly representing their country at separate international fishing tournaments later in the year.
Brandon has been chosen to be part of the Protea team at the Region 5 tournament in Pretoria against Namibia, while Vishal is part of the nine-man South African team that will travel to New South Wales, Australia, in November to compete in the World Bank Angling Championships.
They represented KZN at the National Championships at Bloemhof Dam and in 2023 were selected for the respective Protea teams.
The selectors do not only consider the number and weight of the fish caught by the anglers.
“While that is of course an important aspect, the selectors also look at the angler’s technique, bait, presentation, casting ability, overall skill and presentation,” Vishal said. So it was with pride that these two Dundee anglers made the grade to don their green and gold jackets. Vishal is one of two KZN anglers in the Protea team.
Unfortunately, because angling is not a spectator sport, both must finance their own trips and accommodation while away competing. Vishal’s Australian trip is especially costly; he will be away for around two weeks and Brandon one week. Vishal expects he will need to raise around R80,000 and Brandon R20,000.
“We are both very excited about representing our country. “We have often watched the national cricket, football and rugby teams competing, and now we will also get a chance. It is quite surreal,” Vishal told the Courier. He and Brandon are appealing to local businesses or individuals to look at supporting them by helping with costs.
Anglers must also provide all their tackle. Both started fishing with their fathers, uncles and other relatives while in primary school and were given a good grounding in the ethics and skills involved in fishing. “I grew up loving sports including cricket.
“Angling is a positive pastime that keeps young folk off the streets and into nature,” Vishal said, explaining that he has done a lot to nurture the development of junior anglers through local schools. He is also the chairman of the Spartan Fresh Water Angling Club, and both he and Brandon are pro anglers for the Legends Legacy series. Brandon also has Protea colours in feeder fishing, while Vishal is a qualified SAFBAF team manager and also a KZN-qualified official.
When he is not fishing, Vishal is a husband and father of two children and a lecturer at Majuba College in Madadeni. Brandon works for the family business in Dundee. Anyone wishing to assist these two anglers who have put Dundee on the map is welcome to contact Vishal on 073 084 0842.
