Matthew makes SA U17 squad

NORTHWOOD School pupil, Matthew Bedderson, has been selected for the SA U17A water polo team. It’s a massive step up for the Grade 11 pupil, who last year represented the U16B national team. He will now be travelling to Austria with the national team to participate in the EU Nations Cup. South Africa will come up against Malta and Ireland in their group.

For the 16-year-old, this is a dream come true. He recently featured in the three-match series against Zimbabwe. Not only was this his debut international first team call-up, but Matthew also managed to score his first senior team goal.

“I’ve been dreaming about getting my first international cap and it’s surreal being in the squad. We beat Zimbabwe three-nil in the series and it was just awesome scoring my first goal. I just remember the team passing around looking for a shooting chance, and I spotted an opportunity and aimed for the bottom right hand corner.

“I can’t wait to travel to Austria. We know it’s going to be tough against Ireland and Malta but I’m confident of the team’s ability. Our coach has set us the task of getting to semi-finals and we’d love to do that. Everybody wants to win the tournament, but realistically, finishing third or fourth is a possibility,” he said.

Bedderson said his call-up to the national squad was a bit of a surprise after he felt he’d let himself down in the trials.

“Just before the Zimbabwe series, we had the SA School champs and we lost the finals on penalties to Western Province. I then made the trial squad and we had training just days before the final squad was selected.

“I thought I’d performed terribly because I was so tired during the trials, so when my name was called out, I couldn’t believe it. For me it was also testament to how hard I have been working with my coach at school, Haydn Skinner. I’m just stoked to be playing for my country, it’s something every athlete dreams of,” he said.