Hudson Park High’s U15 girls’ team lifted the Clarendon Centennial Water Polo Tournament title in East London last week, after a nail-biting 1-0 penalty shootout victory over Glenwood House.
Hudson dominated their Pool B fixtures before being tested in the playoffs. The final ended 4-4 in regular time, forcing a tense penalty decider.
Head coach Khanyisa Mpumlwana said the win felt “absolutely amazing”.
“The team really put in a great shift and training was going well,” Mpumlwana said.
“Our strategy going into the tournament was simple — defence wins you games. We focused heavily on our defence, and that helped us a lot. We actually conceded the fewest goals of all the teams.”
Mpumlwana said the final tested their composure and character.
“It was incredibly tight. I was hoping we’d finally score our penalties. At our last tournament in Gqeberha, we had three games go down to penalties and lost all three because we couldn’t convert.
“This time, the girls showed big match temperament. They’re the most mentally strong team I’ve ever coached — they thrive in high-pressure games.”
He credited Milani Mlanga for scoring a crucial equaliser in the dying moments of the final.
“We were 4-3 down and Milani scored our fourth goal in the last minute to take us to penalties. Our goalkeeper was phenomenal in the shootout.”
Hudson were impressive throughout the tournament, scoring 36 goals and conceding only six in five pool matches.
“I didn’t even look at the stats,” Mpumlwana said.
“We were focused on winning the tournament — but now that you’ve told me, it feels amazing.”
Their semifinal clash against DSG Makhanda was another highlight.
“That was a cracker of a game. We lost to them last year in the U14 Jason Murray Water Polo Tournament final, and they haven’t beaten us since.
“Baily Lake scored a scorcher of a long-range goal to seal the win. We should have won 2-0, but they were awarded a late penalty.”
Most of the players will move up to the first team next year, and Mpumlwana believes their success will continue.
Mpumlwana said: “We have David Carter as our girls’ first team coach, and I’m sure they’ll go on to achieve great things under his guidance.”
