Teams from Uganda, Tanzania and Ghana to grace inaugural National Water Polo tourney

Part of a recent water polo competition /
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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.