Buffalo City embraces “underdogs” title ahead of IPT in home waters
Western Province, KwaZulu-Natal, and Central Gauteng lead the pack as the favourites for the Schools Water Polo South Africa Inter-Provincial Water Polo Tournament, and rightfully so.
That trio will enter the annual tournament, which takes place in East London from 7-11 December, high in confidence and with a spring in their step after showcasing some of their best water polo in 2024.
In their respective squads, they boast many players who represent some of the top schools’ teams in the country, including some who played for the South African team at the World Aquatics Men’s u18 Water Polo Championships in Argentina in July.
Province are known for their unorthodox approach to tournaments under coach Jabulani Sibiya, while KZN and Central Gauteng are no strangers to the big leagues. Earlier this year, they contested the Currie Cup final, which Gauteng won 8-6.
A team that will have a point to prove, however, is Buffalo City, who will host the inter-provincial u18 tournament at the Joan Harrison Swimming Pools.
The Eastern Cape side is on a mission to reignite water polo in the region by mixing it up with the big guns and forcing their way into the conversation about title contenders.
They finished a solid fifth at last year’s IPT in Gqeberha and followed that up with a fourth-place finish at the Currie Cup earlier this year.
Buffalo City has shown progress, and the forthcoming tournament will provide them with a chance to again prove their competitiveness against the best teams from around the country. And they’ll boosted by their passionate home supporters.
At the helm will be newly appointed head coach Storm Siebert, who has taken over the reins from Khanyisa Mpumlwana.
Siebert is also the first team coach at Selborne College and has enjoyed success with the side in recent seasons. He’s been promoted within the provincial structures after a stint with the u16 team.
The Buffalo City team he’ll lead boasts a mixture of experience and youth and Siebert believes they stand a chance of making an impact despite facing some challenges ahead of the tournament.
“I believe the team that has been chosen is the strongest team possible, and the boys play together regularly at school level,” he told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“The chemistry and synergy will be there at IPT.
“Our preparation has been good so far, with us being able to practice quite often. But I must say, match time is an issue due to where we are situated and not much opposition to play against.”
In the Buffalo City region, only a limited number of schools – Selborne College, Hudson Park, Merrifield College, and Stirling High School – have a fully functioning boys’ water polo programme. The 2024 Buffalo City team is made up entirely of players from Selborne.
Siebert has been forced to deal with the cards that he’s been dealt and, instead of complaining, he has embraced the opportunity and set realistic expectations for his team.
“Being the underdogs is definitely something we will be embracing throughout the tournament. These boys thrive on the underdog label and we will have absolutely nothing to lose,” he said.
“I firmly believe a top-four finish is a realistic goal if everything goes according to plan and the boys show up in those important moments.
“The boys are extremely excited to compete at IPT, and they are a group of boys that will fight for each other until the very last whistle. I can’t wait to see what they produce this year, and I know, regardless of the end result, I’ll be extremely proud of their efforts.”
The team will be captained by Daniel Breetzke and Kairon Roux, who will be playing in their final IPT alongside Sean Audie.
The tournament also marks a milestone in Siebert’s coaching career. It will be the first time he leads a senior team at an IPT, and that’s something he’s excited about.
“I was absolutely stoked with the opportunity to coach the u19 Buffalo City Boys team for the first time,” he admitted.
“It is a big step up from age group level coaching, and I can’t wait to learn and grow as a coach over this IPT.”
Buffalo City u19 team
Eythan Assam, Sean Audie, Matthew Bean, Daniel Breetzke, Thomas Caswell, Liam Hansen, Mitchell Holl, Connor Maree, Rodney Mashaya, Kairon Roux, Dominic Stegmann, Samuel van der Venter (all Selborne College).
Non-travelling reserves
Gino De Ascencao (Stirling High), Michael Oliver (Stirling High), Daniel Stead (Merrifield College), Luke Stegmann (Selborne College).
Head coach: Storm Siebert
Manager: Joshua Carr
