Water polo teams eye national glory
More than 200 players from across Nelson Mandela Bay and Makhanda will represent the region when they compete at the SA Schools Water Polo Tournament in December.
In total, 18 sides, including 10 A teams and eight B teams, spread across various agegroups, will be looking to fly the Bay flag high when they take on the country’s best junior outfits.
At a capping ceremony held at Pearson High on Saturday, the teams were unveiled to the public in front of excited family members and friends.
The teams range from U13 to U19 and Nelson Mandela Bay selection convener Ryno Scholtz said the teams were bursting at the seams with talented individuals, with the U19 sides looking particularly strong.
He said none of the sides should be counted out as they each came with their own strengths and it would come down to who was mentally ready for any challenge.
“I think that our U16 sides have the potential to do well, but again, it will come down to what happens in the pool.”
Hannah Reid is excited to take the U19 captain’s armband for the tournament and said she would lead the team to the best of her abilities.
“Our team dynamic looks good,” she said. “There are quite a few girls in our senior side who are from Pearson, so that will help us to adapt to each other’s game.”
Now in its 44th year, the inter-provincial tournament will take place in East London from December 13 to 17.