The Madibaz women’s water polo team will hold the highly-anticipated University Sport South Africa (USSA) tournament at the Joan Harrison Complex from Saturday until Monday.
Madibaz Sport water polo manager Melinda Goosen said there was a strong thread of commitment running through the squad and determination to prove a point on this national stage.
“In recent years our women’s side has consistently made the semifinals, but we have usually ended fourth overall,” she said.
“This year our goal is to win a medal. There are a number of new faces in the squad, with half the team about to experience their first USSA tournament, but there is a very good work ethic among the players,” she said.
Goosen added that the squad trained twice a day on a regular basis.
“Being a university side, the academic commitments of the student-athletes play a big role in the availability of our players, especially during the Currie Cup tournament. But the players are fully committed and have been training up to three times a day in the build-up to the USSA event.
“It’s crucial for us to do well as we are looking for a major sponsor to come on board to back the water polo club. We have the players and structures in place, but the team have to organise music trivia evenings and special events to help raise money to compete in the Currie Cup and USSA,” she said.
“This event is one of the biggest school water polo tournaments in the world and certainly a great event to be able to showcase Buffalo City.
“This event will not only be televised but will see more than 4,000 visitors converge on our town for this great event,” said IPT co-convener and tournament director Vaughn Meecham.