Gauteng ready to defend title in Knysna

After winning the U21 and U16 titles at the Canoe Polo South Africa Championships in Cape Town last year, Gauteng is not resting on its laurels.

As they prepare for this year’s nationals in Knysna, it’s evident that the team is going to the Garden Route for one thing only – to defend their titles.

Led by the incredible Chris de Bree, Gauteng were able to produce the goods last year and cement itself in history as a powerhouse in the country.

While their core is still intact, the team has made the necessary moves to extend their window of contention.

They have a plethora of young and talented prospects whose quest is to stop those planning to dethrone them from their supremacy.

The team’s preparations for the nationals in mid-march were boosted by a four-team preparation tournament, featuring several provincial teams, at Homestead Dam on February 26.

“All clubs from Gauteng have come together for a warm-up tournament for the nationals to get the players to play some high-level games. We want to keep the players fit and training hard,” he said.

Sharp and laser-focused, De Bree watched with keen interest as the experience of stalwarts Kyle Laxton and Kyle Buchler and the youthful exuberance of young prospects Xavier Mans and Kyle Solan proved the team will be a force once again.

According to De Bree, team chemistry, hard work and good preparation will be key to their cause as they look to successfully defend their titles.

The nationals will take place from March 17 to 19.

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