Player Profile – Noah Reiback (Rondebosch Boys’ High)
The Rondebosch Boys’ High first water polo side is savouring an impressive season, which has delivered many successes this year already.
As things stand, ‘Bosch is the team to beat in the Western Cape and, possibly, around the country, although Kearsney College, on a 25-match unbeaten run, might have something to say about that.
Both will be in action at the forthcoming KES Water Polo Tournament, so keep an eye on SuperSport Schools for coverage of that event.
Rondebosch is unbeaten in the SACS Nite Series and tops the table after three wins on the trot, against Reddam House Constantia, Bishops Diocesan College, and Paul Roos Gimnasium.
Last month, the southern suburbs school claimed the prestigious St Andrew’s College (SAC) Shield in Makhanda after beating St John’s College 12-7 in the final.
Credit for their early season success goes to a young and talented group of players and their experienced coaches, Jared Wingate-Pearse and Etienne Le Roux.
While many of their victories have stemmed from great teamwork, one player has consistently shone, and that is Noah Reiback. He has been an integral cog for ‘Bosch, helping them to some famous wins while scoring some cracking goals along the way.
He is the epitome of big-match temperament (BMT) and has a unique skill set that elevates him from the rest of the pack.
He took up the sport at an early age and water polo runs through his veins. “My brothers [Ben and Jay] both played water polo, and I started the sport just after them,” Reiback told SuperSport Schools Plus. “When I was in grade three, I was nine, and I went to the pool with them and started shooting, and that’s how I got into it.
“In prep school, I was mentored by coach Kwakhona Ngwanya from Grades 3-7, and he helped me along my water polo journey.”
There was a sense of expectation riding on Reiback when he entered high school in 2023. In his grade eight year, he enjoyed a fantastic welcome to high school water polo as a member of an incredibly talented u14A team.
Reiback and his teammates were outstanding and dominant. They defeated every team in the Western Cape and won the vast majority of tournaments they contested. He was in prolific form and later that year was rewarded.
“When I played for the u14As, in grade 8, I didn’t have the intention of making the first team at the end of the year; it wasn’t a usual thing at our school,” Reiback admitted.
“We had a great season that year with the team. We practically won everything and played great polo as a unit.
“I, then, got a message from our head of polo at the time, and he said I was invited to trial for the St Stithians College Stayers Tournament. I was pumped about that, and I had a good trial, and coach Jared picked me.”
Soon after that, Reiback made his first team debut, following in the footsteps of his brothers.
“I was very happy and proud and emotional at the time. It was a privilege for me, especially after watching my brothers play for the team.
“I was overwhelmed, but Coach Jared sat with me and calmed me down. He told me what he needed from me, and the rest is history.”
Reiback’s role in the team is straightforward, and that’s to create and score goals. The countless opportunities to fire the ball into the back of the net wouldn’t be available, though, without the help of his teammates. He credits their efforts for his success.
“I always try and stay humble because Coach Jared tells us to reset after each match or tournament.
“I might score a lot of goals, but I’m definitely not the be-all-and-end-all of the team. We have some exceptional players that also deserve as much credit.
“If you look at a guy like Jack Robinson, he acts as a role model for me because we’ve played together for a long time. I always have one-on-ones with him to look at how we can get better and help the team as a whole.
“I also have two lefties on the right with me, Kieran Bennewith and Luke Burger. We have great chemistry, and I don’t think I’d be as good of a water player if they didn’t push me.”
The mental, physical, and financial support of Reiback’s parents has also steered his evolving career on an upward trajectory.
His mother, Jo, and dad, Rowan, have had to dig deep financially to get him to provincial and international tournaments.
Just last year, Reiback represented Western Province u15A at the Schools Water Polo South Africa Inter-Provincial tournament. Earlier in the year, he was part of the SA u16 side that played in the World Aquatics Men’s Championships in Malta.
“I really can’t thank my parents enough. They’ve done wonderful things for me,” Reiback said.
“They have supported me a lot, even with the SA tour where we knew it would be tough [financially], but they still sent me to give me the best opportunity.
“I know there’s still more to come, but I’m grateful for their 100 percent backing.”
Reiback, still only in grade 10, is caught between two sporting worlds. That’s because, in the winter season, he pulls on his rugby boots and plays flyhalf.
He is gunning to make the u16A rugby team at Rondebosch this year before returning to the pool to finish the 2025 water polo season.
It’s unclear which sporting route the youngster will take after matric but, for now, it’s all about enjoying his time at the school and making memories with his teammates.
