Buchler to represent SA in China
He's part of the seven-man squad selected to represent SA at the ICF Canoe Polo World Championships.
It has always been Kyle Buchler’s dream to represent the country at a senior level at the world championships since he started playing canoe polo almost a decade ago.
Buchler is part of the seven-man national squad selected to participate in the ICF Canoe Polo World Championships in Deqing, China, from October 15 to 20.
He’s in the team alongside Ruhan Marx, Kyle Hardy, James Truby, Luke Hoets, Neil Burger and his East Rand Kayaking (ERK) club teammate and national canoe polo chairperson, Chris de Bree.
Don Wewege will serve as the coach and the team manager.
“It’s a fantastic achievement for myself and my career. In 2022, I went to France with the SA U21 team and now I’ve been selected to go to China as part of the men’s senior squad,” he said.
Buchler expressed his delight for this opportunity to represent his country at the highest level, adding it will be “best thing ever” when he dons the green and gold.
“It will be the best thing ever to happen to me to play overseas. The tournament is going to be livestreamed and there will be lots of spectators.
“I’m super proud. I’ve been working hard since I started playing. It means a lot to me.”
The Benoni High alumnus said he was inspired by local canoeist Nicholas Weeks. He became a senior national player early last year when he was awarded his national blazer after years of hard work to fulfil a promise he made himself seven years prior.
He has since dedicated his time to solidifying his spot in the men’s senior national team by training hard and improving his game.
“I’m the youngest member of the squad, so going to China will solidify my position and the coach team manager will see I’m capable of playing for the team,” Buchler said.
“In future world championships, my position in the team will be guaranteed instead of being anxious and unsure if I’ll make it.”
His performances at the SA Canoe Polo Championships in Durban in May served as a catalyst for his selection in the national team.
He played as the Gauteng senior men’s sprinter and helped them to the national title after beating the Western Cape 5-3 in the final.
“I played fantastically well and enjoyed my time with the team. We came out on top and won the national title again,” Buchler said.
Buchler will spend some time in Europe next month to prepare for the competition.
Also Read: ERK players help Gauteng win national title
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