Teams from Uganda, Tanzania and Ghana have confirmed participation in the inaugural National Water Polo tournament, scheduled for May 17-18 at the Potterhouse school.
Team Kenya water polo coordinator, Paul Muigai, termed it as one of the key disciplines which need to be exploited to grow swimming in the country.
“It’s a facet of swimming which has not been developed for a long time, but I am happy there is a lot of interest from several clubs and swimmers. This being the first championship, I know it will be competitive, especially with teams from Tanzania, Ghana and Uganda attending,” said Muigai.
The goal will be to have a Kenyan team at the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, Australia, and at the same time host the Africa Aquatics Water Polo Championship soon.
“We must start planning for the Olympics now because we have six years to grow the sport and find the top swimmers in the discipline. We also need to give them exposure to compete at the highest level between now and 2032. I am confident we will grow the discipline,” added Muigai.
He called on schools to introduce water polo and start training learners from an early age.
“Just as we introduce swimming to young boys from a tender age, we need to do the same in Water polo if our athletes are to become adept at the sport,” observed Muigai.
The tournament will feature three hotly contested categories: boys’ U-14, girls’ U-17, and girls’ & Open divisions (mixed gender teams).
Each match will be played over four thrilling quarters of eight minutes, promising high-octane action from start to finish.
Teams are expected to register 13 players (seven starters and six reserves) and will be guided by a maximum of two coaches on the bench.
Among the teams
that have confirmed
participation for the event
are Murang’a Aquatics, Rosslyn Academy, Peponi School,
Peponi House, West Nairobi School,
Hillcrest School, USIU University,
MKU University, Torpedo Club, Rupaz
Club, Kisumu Club, Nova Pioneer and
Potterhouse School
Others are Mpesa Foundation,
Aga Khan Academy, Genesis Sports
Limited, Y Lagoons, Black Star
(Ghana) and the Coastal Titans
from Mombasa Club.
