Edenvale’s Kuipers takes over as chair at Eastern Gauteng Schools Water Polo

With over 30 years of experience in water polo, Edenvale Water Polo Club’s president was selected as the chairperson of Eastern Gauteng Schools Water Polo.

Ronny Kuipers was selected for the position at the start of February.

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Kuipers decided to become more involved in Eastern Gauteng schools after his son attended the trials in 2018 and 2019.

“Over the years, I have watched the sport diminish. I wanted to contribute to the sport and help develop it.”

As a child, Kuipers initially pursued swimming and was a member of the East Rand Proprietary Mines (ERPM) Swimming Club.

While a learner at Boksburg High School, Kuipers took up polo for the school and the club.

“As I progressed, I felt that swimming was a solo sport whereas water polo was a team sport.”

Kuipers explained after ERPM Swimming Club closed he took a break from the pool.

In his 20s Kuipers dove back in and found a home at the Edenvale Water Polo Club.

During his term as chairperson, Kuipers hopes to grow Easterns and have a strong pool of players.

“We can do well, we just need growth.”

He said it does not matter if those interested are swimmers, can’t play polo or are avid players of the sport.

“We are looking for people who are dedicated and want to learn. We have about 20-odd coaches who will teach you from the beginning.”

Kuipers said when he was nominated for the position it felt great.

“I feel that I can make a difference and help the sport grow.”

Kuipers believes with his managerial skills he will take Eastern schools in the right direction.

Some of the changes he has made include taking Eastern schools online on social media.

He explained the decision to go online was made to create greater awareness and attract more players.

“What I enjoy so much about the sport is the camaraderie, the physical exertion and the rules it has in place.”

Although players need to be fit and skilled to excel in the sport, Kuipers said the skill becomes second nature as players pursue the sport.

Kuipers said senior players swim 3km per day for four days a week and spend the fifth-day practising tactical aspects of the sport in the pool.

One of the largest challenges Kuipers identified in water polo is a lack of players needed in each age group.

He said a normal polo team will have anywhere between 10 and 12 players, while seven of them are in the water.

To tackle this, Kuipers is in talks with Australian water polo players and hopes to introduce “beach polo”, four-a-side water polo, into schools.

“The rules are slightly different and the field slightly smaller, but overall it is still water polo.”

For more information about joining the Edenvale Water Polo Club contact Kuipers on 083 629 3132 or at ron@pmat.co.za

Trials for Eastern Gauteng Schools Water Polo will be held on March 15.

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