The Bombela Concession Company SA National Water Polo Championships will look a little different when they begin in Durban this weekend with the focus purely on rising talent.
With the senior national teams focused on the upcoming Water Polo World Cup, which takes place in April, the national championships are being used as an opportunity for under-18 and under-16 players to impress selectors ahead of the world championships for those age groups later in the year.
In a unique approach to the tournament, players entered individually and have been assigned to equal-strength teams, which will compete against each other in a round-robin format from 13-15 March. In addition, the under-18 players will undergo fitness and mobility testing during the course of the weekend.
At the end of the championships, 14 under-18 players and several reserves will be selected for the World Aquatics Under-18 World Championships, which, for the men, take place from 27 June to 4 July in Portugal, and for the women, 16-23 August in Spain.
For the under-16 athletes, 30-32 players will be chosen to attend a final selection camp, which will take place in May, with the World Aquatics Under-16 World Championships scheduled for Croatia – the women from 25-31 July and the men from 3-9 August.
Not only does the new format present an exciting challenge to the players, who must adapt quickly to new teammates and game plans, but also for the coaches. Masi Namba is the head coach of the national women’s under-16 team and has been assigned to one of the teams for this weekend. She is looking forward to the assignment ahead.
“This format gives me the exciting opportunity to coach players I wouldn’t normally work with. Because it’s a unique structure, my approach is to keep things simple and clear while focusing on aspects of the game that can bring out each player’s strengths,” she explained.
Working with new players does come with challenges though.
“The first step is making sure everyone knows each other’s names – especially me! I’m great with faces, but names sometimes take a moment. More importantly, I want to make sure the players feel comfortable and supported.
“If they trust me as their coach, that trust can extend to one another. Since these nationals also serve as trials, it’s important that players remember this is a team sport. Everyone needs to do their role while also showcasing their individual skills and talents. Teamwork is absolutely essential in water polo.”
For Namba, this tournament is vital in the growth of water polo in South Africa.
“These players are the future of our sport. Investing in them is essential for the continued development and growth of water polo in our country. It’s important for both the players and their parents to see that we are committed to creating opportunities and clear, good structures for young athletes to grow, compete, and reach their potential. I hope experiences like this encourage them to dream bigger and aim higher as they pursue success in whatever way that may look.”
There’s also the matter of selecting the national teams to represent the country at the World Championships.
“I hope they leave with a sense of confidence in themselves and a deeper love for the sport. Opportunities like this allow players to meet new teammates, learn from different coaches, and challenge themselves in a new environment. And obviously, the chance to represent their country at the biggest competition in the world. If they walk away having learned something new, built new friendships, and believing a little more in what they’re capable of, and knowing that there are opportunities for them in this country, then I think the experience has been a success.”
The under-16 tournament will take place at Northwood School and Durban Girls' College, while the under-18s will go head-to-head at Reddam House, Umhlanga.