Growing up in Uitenage, Kaylim Cordier excelled at both rugby and cricket as a young child, earning the Sportsman of the Year, Allrounder of the Year and Rugby Player of the Year awards at his Primary School. Scouted by many a leading secondary school, Cordier decided to further his education at Oakdale Landbou, an agricultural college that is renowned for developing players with raw physical strength and aggression. Kaylim once again thrived on the cricket pitch, earning selection for his province at both U15 and U17 level, but it was on the rugby field that Cordier truly caught the public eye. Turning out for the SWD Eagles at the U16 Grant Khomo Week of 2018, Kaylim repeated the honour the following year, laying claim to the No. 8 jersey at the U18 Academy Week.

An aggressive ball-carrier with speed off the mark in the Schalk Brits mode, Cordier decided to move to the front row in his final year of schooling, where he excelled as a modern-day hooker with a complete skillset and dependable lineout throwing ability. A sure-fire candidate for U18 Craven Week selection (before Covid-19 put paid to the 2020 season), Kaylim was also tipped to lead the SWD Eagles, a position he has held in almost every team he has played in. Mature, disciplined & bursting with game-breaking x-factor, Kaylim Cordier is a name to remember.