Waterpolo team returns home triumphant
South Africa take top spot at the EU Nations Ladies U17 Water polo Tournament in Denmark.
THE South African U17 ladies waterpolo team recently competed in the EU Nations U17 Cup in Oedense, Denmark, against countries from all over Europe including the Czech Republic, England and Malta.
SA's first encounter was against Switzerland where South Africa walked out 32 – 2 victors. The next day South Africa faced a strong and physical side from Ireland who could not keep up with the strong counter attack of the South Africans, winning that game 21 – 1.
The final game of the pool stages was against the mighty Czech Republic, who like South Africa, hadn't lost a pool game. In 2015 the South African team lost to Czech Republic on penalties and this year the U17 side won 19 – 6.
Moving into the pool stages, South Africa was seen as a favourite of the tournament next to that of Malta after the young side beat England in Pool B to take number one spot. Moving closer to finals in the semi one, was South Africa vs England and semi two saw Malta take on the Czech Republic.
Prior to the tournament, England were noted as favourites, but the clinical finishing, strength, speed and shot accuracy of the South Africans saw them defeat England 16 – 3.
Czech Republic won the semi, meeting South Africa in the final. Although South Africa had a convincing win over the Czechs in the pool stages, the Junior South Africa team were wary as they expected a tougher and stronger Czech team in the final.
Straight from the start of the game South Africa opened with a great counter attack goal scored by captain Hanna Muller. The end of the chukka saw South Africa ahead 5 – 0. Throughout the game South Africa was dominant and took control of the game winning it 16 – 3.
South Africa's goal keeper Daniella Passoni received the player of the tournament award. Team South Africa scored 103 goals and only conceded 15 over the entire tournament period and all six games played.
Three players Cassandra Day from Kingsway High in Toti, Ayanda Maphumalo from Durban Girls' College and Nina Bohata from St Mary's Kloof in Hillcrest formed part of this winning SA side, scoring their fair share of goals in the tournament.
