Merrifield has announced the appointment of Khanyisa Mpumlwana as its new head of water polo.
A respected and accomplished coach, Mpumlwana brings a wealth of experience at both school and provincial level, with a growing footprint on the national stage.
He recently led the BCM U16 team at the interprovincial tournament (IPT) in Johannesburg, where Merrifield pupils Joshua Talbot and Thuse-Omhle Ntsebeza were selected to represent the team — a proud moment for the school and its water polo programme.
The team finished fourth overall, making them the fourth-best U16 boys’ water polo team in the country in 2025.
Mpumlwana said his decision to join Merrifield was driven by personal growth, continuous learning and a desire to support underserved groups of athletes.
“For a small Eastern Cape town with players selected from only three schools, that result speaks volumes,” Mpumlwana said, reflecting on their performance.
“Our player pool is more like a puddle compared to Cape Town and Johannesburg, but the resilience and hard work the boys showed really stood out.
“My aim is to develop skilled, confident athletes who play with heart, support their teammates and thrive in the water. With younger players, the fundamental principle is simple, have fun while focusing on development,” he said.
While excited about the move, Mpumlwana admits the transition comes with mixed emotions.
“Joining a new school is a personal transition and comes with excitement and a bit of anxiety,” he said.
“I’m really keen to meet everyone, adapt to a new environment and embrace this new journey.”
Reflecting on individual performances at IPT, Mpumlwana praised both Merrifield players.
“Thuse-Omhle Ntsebeza carried a shoulder injury into the tournament but still gave his best. I’m excited to see him at full potential once fully injury-free. Josh Talbot has an exceptional shot, moves well in the water and has a high water polo IQ, which adds great dynamics to his game.”
Defensive discipline was a key focus during the competition, he says.
“Defence wins you games. We really focused on that, and it paid off. I also backed my goalkeeper, Caylin Mackenzie… she’s our key shot stopper and the best goalkeeper in her age group.”
Mpumlwana was selected as the SA Men’s assistant coach in 2025 and attended the Water Polo World Championships in Singapore, an experience he describes as career-defining.
“Being around the world’s best coaches, networking and learning from them is something you can’t buy,” he said.
“The openness of overseas coaches and their willingness to share knowledge is phenomenal. I hope to remain part of the national setup for many years.”
Looking ahead to upcoming international competitions, he acknowledged the challenge.
“Malta will be very difficult, as teams are strengthening their squads. I’m looking forward to seeing how much improvement our players have made since 2025.”
Mpumlwana highlighted the contrast between youth and senior water polo.
“At youth level, coaching is less technical and focused on learning. At senior level, the intensity, conditioning and attention to detail are next level. The clinical accuracy is unbelievable.”
His long-term vision at Merrifield centres on growth, particularly in junior age groups.
“My focus is U8 to U13. Growth starts from a seed. You plant a foundation and create a platform for the future. World Cups aren’t won on the day, they’re won ten years before,” he said.
Mpumlwana also owns Eagles Water Polo Club, which has now moved to Merrifield College. He plans to use the club, along with the school’s physical education and swimming programmes, as talent identification pathways.
“They’re all linked. Discipline creates order and functionality. You need fit players, and fitness builds mental toughness. The more tired you get, the harder it is to think under pressure.”
Team culture, he believes, is non-negotiable.
“It’s imperative to create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported and driven to succeed together. Culture is everything.”
His message to aspiring players is clear: train consistently, condition your body, eat well, watch water polo, swim often and enjoy the game.
“The legacy I want to leave is sustainable success. Not short-term wins but growth, development and leaving the programme better than I found it.”
