Hudson Park High School water polo coach Khanyisa Mpumlwana is among Eastern Cape representatives flying the SA flag at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, taking place from July 11-26.
Mpumlwana, who coaches the boys’ first team at Hudson Park, has earned his first senior national cap as assistant coach for the SA men’s team.
It is his second international tour with the national side, having previously coached the U16 boys’ squad at the Junior World Championships.
The latest milestone caps a standout year for the East London-based coach.
In recent months, Mpumlwana led the Eagles Water Polo Club to a silver medal at the Johannesburg Invitational Tournament and steered the Eastern Cape women’s team to bronze at the prestigious Currie Cup.
Reflecting on his selection, Mpumlwana said the experience had been both exciting and humbling.
“I was really excited and nervous,” he said.
“I am keen to learn from the top coaches in the world, to network and hopefully improve my own coaching.”
The appointment has sparked an outpouring of support from current and former pupils.
“I was overwhelmed by the number of students who reached out to congratulate me,” Mpumlwana said.
The SA men’s team — ranked 25th in the world — were drawn in Group A, where they opened the tournament against Serbia (ranked fifth), followed by Romania (14th) and Italy (seventh).
Mpumlwana described the squad as young but determined, and said the team were focused on building momentum against some of the world’s strongest opposition.
His achievements have been met with pride at Hudson Park.
“It is especially meaningful for us to see Khanyisa represent the country,” headmaster Dennis Vorster said.
“He is a valued member of staff who coaches both water polo and rugby.
“His journey from pupil to international coach is truly inspirational.”
Mpumlwana is one of several athletes from the region competing in Singapore, a reflection of the Eastern Cape’s growing influence in national water polo circles.
Among the other East London representatives are:
- Hannah Weppelman, Tia Caswell, and Chloe Meecham (all SA women’s team);
- Nathan Ward (SA men’s team);
- Masibonge Namba (team manager, SA women’s team); and
- Tumi Macdonell.
The women’s team, ranked 18th globally, face a tough challenge in Group D, where they are up against Great Britain, France and world No 1 Spain.
Vaughn Meecham, a technical committee member of Swimming SA and Eastern Cape water polo convener, highlighted the significance of the moment for the region.
“The selection of players from Buffalo City is incredibly important,” he said.
“Unlike other provinces, we don’t have institutions to retain senior players.
“These athletes have reached this level purely through hard work and commitment.”
Meecham praised both squads for their resilience, noting that most SA players were self-funded and juggled training with work or studies, unlike their full-time professional counterparts in countries such as Spain.
The tournament marks a test of skill and a celebration of progress on the international stage for the players, their coaches and the region.
Daily Dispatch
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