Gauteng names strong squad for IPT
Gauteng has unveiled a powerful girls’ team to represent the province at the upcoming Schools Water Polo South Africa (SWPSA) Inter-Provincial Tournament (IPT), which will take place in Johannesburg from 6 to 10 December 2025.
The prestigious national event assembles the country’s top young water polo players for five days of high-intensity competition, camaraderie, and provincial pride. It’s one of the highlights of the school sporting calendar, offering players a platform to showcase their talent and stake a claim for national selection.
This year’s Gauteng squad shows a blend of experienced players and rising stars, with several returning from last year’s campaign. The team announcement has already generated excitement within the local water polo community, which has seen significant growth and success over the past few seasons.
Roedean School SA, which has enjoyed a great season this year in both community development events and school tournaments, is leading the U19A team selection with five players named in the provincial lineup. St Stithians College, boasting another powerhouse programme, contributes four players to the squad. Both schools have produced several players who have gone on to represent South Africa at the youth level.
The U19A side, led by head coach Kelsey Thomson, features a powerful combination of attacking and defensive ability. With the likes of Taylor Billett and Gabriella Morrell from Roedean, Emily Carle and Tori Tanner-Ellis from St Stithians, and Ziyanda Tshabalala, who was in the B team last year and adds speed and precision in the A side, the team is expected to be one of the top contenders at this year’s tournament.
Meanwhile, the U19B team, coached by Siyabonga Guzana, brings together a promising group of young players eager to prove themselves on the national stage. The depth of talent within the province is evident, with several schools, including Crawford Lonehill, Beaulieu College, and Reddam House Bedfordview, well represented. The team’s balanced roster features players with solid tournament experience and exciting new prospects ready to make their mark.
With established players such as Ané du Plessis, Kuhlesibonge Buthelezi, and Danielle Sassenberg, Gauteng’s B team promises to be competitive, offering a glimpse into the future of the province’s water polo pipeline.
U19A Girls
Taylor Billett (Roedean), Jenna Blaauw (St Mary’s), Emily Carle (St Stithians), Lucy Davis (Kingsmead), Anastasia Hambakis (Reddam Bedfordview), Isabella Imbriolo (St Stithians), Julia Joseph (St Mary’s), Gabriella Morrell (Roedean), Cadha Mosehla (St Stithians), Emma Pelicot (Roedean), Caitlin Scrimgeour (Reddam Bedfordview), Amy Stubbs (Roedean), Tori Tanner-Ellis (St Stithians), Ziyanda Tshabalala (Roedean)
Head Coach: Kelsey Thomson, Assistant Coach: Oluchi McMurray, Manager: Caitlyn O’Shaughnessy
U19B
Kuhlesibonge Buthelezi (Roedean), India-Rose Cope (Crawford Lonehill), Ané du Plessis (Roedean), Esme du Plessis (Roedean), Isabella Duffy (Beaulieu), Meegan Zomero (Crawford Lonehill), Mia Duffy (Beaulieu), Ambrin McEwan (Roedean), Annabelle Morton (Reddam Bedfordview), Iminathi Njokwana (Crawford Lonehill), Rylee Rogers (Steyn City), Danielle Sassenberg (St Stithians), Anna Springer (St Stithians), Kathryn Thorburn (St Mary’s)
Head Coach: Siyabonga Guzana, Assistant Coach: Oluchi McMurray, Manager: Caitlyn O’Shaughnessy
