Underwater hockey players to represent SA
To make this cut, fitness levels and attending practice sessions regularly have to maintained.
SIX underwater hockey (UWH) players from Durban North will represent South Africa in the Underwater World Hockey Tournament.
Durban Underwater Hockey Club members, namely Julie Borstlap (Ladies’ Elite player), Tatton Bouras ( Ladies’ Elite player), Jeanie van der Merwe (Ladies’ Elite player), Brent Borstlap (Mens’ Elite player), Leon van der Merwe (Mens’ Masters Player) and Wesley Reardon (Mens’ Masters Player) will jet off to Australia from July 18 to 30.
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Reardon, who spoke on behalf of his teammates, said underwater hockey is a unique three-dimensional sport being played at the bottom of a swimming pool.
“It combines elements of hockey, swimming and snorkeling, and is played by two teams, each consisting of six players. To play the game, players wear a mask, snorkel, waterpolo cap and fins, as well as a protective glove and underwater hockey stick,” he said.
The objective of the game is to score goals by maneuvering a small puck across the pool floor, using your UWH stick, and into the opposing team’s goal.
“Underwater hockey is a challenging and thrilling sport that requires quick reflexes and agility, good breath control, and a strong swimming ability. Our club, Durban Underwater Hockey – associated with Durban Undersea Club – practises twice a week during the warmer times of the year and down to once a week during the colder (off-season) times of the year,” he said.
The six players found out the good news when the South African teams were officially announced at the South African Nationals Tournament held on April 21 and 22 in Somerset West.
“The news gave us combination of feelings – excitement, happiness and responsibility are some. It is a privilege to play for South Africa, and I know each player wants to do South Africa proud,” he added.
This will be the first time Reardon will represent South Africa, but the other men and women have represented the country at various Worlds Tournaments before.
“There is a selection process that is implemented by the South African Underwater Hockey Federation which involves each trialist playing trial games, completing fitness tests and engaging in land drills and strategic discussions. There are various factors that selectors look at when selecting players. These factors include player commitment, coachability, team dynamic and fitness,” he said.
“The SA teams try and have as many training-camp weekends as possible leading up to the tournament, but obviously, due to time availability of the players and financial restraints, it can be difficult to arrange as many camps as we would like. Underwater hockey is classified as an amateur sport, and therefore, attending tournaments like the world tournament is self-funded. So there is definitely a big financial challenge,” she added.
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