
Go! & Express caught up with Merrifield College water polo referee Luvuyo Rubushe to discuss his selection as an international referee set to represent SA at the World Aquatics Tournaments 2023/2024.
What does this achievement mean to you, and for your career?
This is life-changing. When I started playing water polo back in 2005 at Stirling Primary School, I never imagined I would achieve what I have so far. This now means I get to work towards international tournaments and represent SA again, just this time as an official. I also feel an overwhelming pride in those who believed in me. I am filled with so much gratitude for the people who supported me along the way and gave me opportunities to learn.
How did this opportunity come about?
A long process of perfecting different aspects of refereeing such as constantly staying on top of my theory, practicing signalisation, observing and conversing with other referees around the world, and, of course, the legendary accreditation course where the 16 of us who attended last year had the honour and privilege of being lectured by the #1 ranked referee in the world, Borris Margeta, and SA’s very own Olympic referee Dion Willis. This was one of my favorite water polo experiences. To have 16 aspiring referees in one room for three days “nerding out” over the rules and different interpretations really etched something in my heart.
Where and how did your journey with water polo begin?
I started back in 2005. It was peer pressure, all self-inflicted, of course. I wanted to be a part of something that I had absolutely no idea about. I was very blessed to have had such an incredible start to my career being coached by an ex-Hungarian junior player whose voice still echoes in my head, Craig Malherbe, who managed our teams in primary school and then moved on to the care of Charl Wessels who paved an amazing journey for us in high school with two international trips and securing us another Hungarian coach in 2009. These people, including Russel Keet, played such a big role in my motivation and constant encouragement.
What challenges have you experienced so far in your water polo career?
I grew up not wanting to recognise challenges. I was raised by a single parent and finances were a challenge. My mother worked hard to make sure I had everything I needed. I am also the first in my family to swim professionally or go overseas. Being a black boy taking part in this sport has come with many challenges, but I rise above them and focus on getting better at what I do.
What have been some other achievements you’ve had in your career so far?
I was a national water polo coach from 2017-2021 and won gold with the SA U17 team in the Czech Republic and coached various other sides over the years.
How will this opportunity strengthen the sporting code in the Border region?
I hope we get the opportunity to make a difference and implement the working strategies other provinces have taken on board to strengthen their water polo. The right people need to be appointed for the right tasks. I have seen bad decisions made over the years that were more for personal gain but left no positive impact.
What do you look forward to the most with this new journey?
I look forward to the connections I am going to make and the new things I’m going to experience. I look forward to inspiring young, keen minds to step out of their comfort zones and challenge themselves in spaces they never imagined themselves in.
What qualifications or skills did you need in order to be considered as a referee?
Referees need to referee at Senior Nationals and Schools IPT along with attending the international accreditation course.
As a coach and now an international official, what advice do you have for water polo players to help them strengthen their game?
Keep working hard, there is no substitute for hard work, and learn to love what you do.