Another international tournament, another series of crushing defeats for the South Africa’s men’s water polo side.
Playing at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, the South African side were drawn in Group A alongside Italy, Serbia and Romania.
In their opening match, South Africa lost 27-3 (score by quarters: 8-0, 6-3, 4-0, 9-0) to Serbia.
They followed that up with a 24-5 loss against Romania (score by quarters: 8-0, 3-1, 7-3, 6-1).
In their final group stage match, the South African men’s side were humbled 28-4 by Italy (score by quarters: 6-1, 9-0, 8-1, 5-2).
South Africa finished bottom of the group, scoring just 12 goals while conceding 79.
The South African men’s side then entered the 13th-16th place bracket where they were outclassed 27-4 (score by quarters: 5-1, 10-1, 9-2, 3-0) by Australia.
That defeat saw them contest the 15th-16th place playoff where they fell short 14-13 (score by quarters: 7-2, 3-4, 3-3, 1-4) against hosts Singapore.
All-told, the South African men’s side played five matches, lost all five, scored 29 goals and conceded 120 for an average loss of 24-6.
No better
Meanwhile, the South African women’s water polo side, faired little better.
They were drawn in Group D alongside Spain, Great Britain and France.
In their opening match, the South African side lost 23-4 (score by quarters: 9-1, 5-0, 4-2, 5-1) to Spain.
That was followed by a 12-3 defeat against Great Britain (score by quarters: 5-0, 2-2, 4-1, 1-0) and a 13-6 loss to France (score by quarters: 4-1, 3-2, 3-3, 3-0).
South Africa finished bottom of the group, scoring just 13 goals while conceding 48.
The South African women’s side then entered the 13th-16th place bracket where they lost 16-6 against Croatia.
They then enjoyed their only success of the tournament in beating Singapore 8-4 (score by quarters: 3-0, 2-3, 2-1, 1-0) in the battle to avoid the wooden spoon.
All-told, the South African women’s side played five matches, lost four, won one, scored 27 goals and conceded 68 for an average loss of 14-5.
Hopefully Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie has a plan up his sleeve to turn around South Africa’s water polo fortunes in time for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Despite being the best in Africa, why do South Africa struggle on the international water polo stage?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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