Masters step up to the starting blocks yet again

OVER 400 players will participate in the South African Masters National water polo tournament at the Joan Harrison swimming complex today.

Coming hot on the heels of the very successful Masters swimming nationals held last week, the masters water polo will look to maintain the momentum and a memorable event is expected over the next three days.

Over 30 teams from four different age groups in the men's division will be taking part in the event.

“We have just hosted a fantastic masters swimming competition and we are now looking to host the water polo tournament at the same high standards,” said chairman of Border Masters and Schools water polo Andy Reeves.

“We will see 38 sides from around the country taking part in the tournament.”

A lot will be expected of the Border teams in their home event and they will be eager to put in top performances in front of their supporters.

“We will have four Border sides taking part in four different age groups,” said Reeves.

“Last year we had a team that made the final and went down in a penalty shootout, so from a results perspective we have high expectations for our teams.”

A number of other big unions will however be expected to challenge for top honours, with many of the best Masters water polo players from around the country set to be in action.

“I have been in Cape Town over the last few days and a lot of the players competing in the Currie Cup have said that they will be taking part in the Masters, so I am expecting some very strong teams,” admitted Reeves.

“As long as you do not currently play for South Africa you can play in the Masters tournament.

“The KZN sides are very strong as well as the Western Province teams, while a few sides from Gauteng will also be big challengers across the divisions.”

A number of notable players will be taking part and fans will be eager to see them in action over the coming days.

“A lot of ex-South African water polo players will be on show during the tournament,” claimed Reeves.

“The likes of Ryan Bell and our very own Bevan Manson will be in action.”

Regardless of who may be viewed as favourites for the tournament, there could be a number of dark-horses who will be aiming to cause a few upsets and this should make for some enthralling viewing.

“Anything can happen when you play a tournament like this where you are playing so many games in a condensed programme anything can happen, so it will be an interesting competition,” said Reeves.

The action gets under way from 8am today with a full day’s action on the cards.