SA women's water polo side avoid wooden spoon at Aquatics Championships
Playing at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, the South African women's side were drawn in Group D alongside Spain, Great Britain and France.
In their opening match, the South African side lost 23-4 (score by quarters: 9-1, 5-0, 4-2, 5-1) to Spain.
That was followed by a 12-3 defeat against Great Britain (score by quarters: 5-0, 2-2, 4-1, 1-0) and a 13-6 loss to France (score by quarters: 4-1, 3-2, 3-3, 3-0).
South Africa finished bottom of the group, scoring just 13 goals while conceding 48.
The South African women's side then entered the 13th-16th place bracket where they lost 16-6 against Croatia.
They then enjoyed their only success of the tournament in beating Singapore 8-4 (score by quarters: 3-0, 2-3, 2-1, 1-0) in the battle to avoid the wooden spoon.
All-told, the South African women's side played five matches, lost four, won one, scored 27 goals and conceded 68 for an average loss of 14-5.
Meanwhile, the South African men's side were drawn in Group A alongside Italy, Serbia and Romania.
In their opening match, South Africa lost 27-3 (score by quarters: 8-0, 6-3, 4-0, 9-0) to Serbia.
They followed that up with a 24-5 loss against Romania (score by quarters: 8-0, 3-1, 7-3, 6-1).
In their final group stage match, the South African men's side were humbled 28-4 by Italy (score by quarters: 6-1, 9-0, 8-1, 5-2).
South Africa finished bottom of the group, scoring just 12 goals while conceding 79.
The South African men's side then entered the 13th-16th place bracket where they were outclassed 27-4 (score by quarters: 5-1, 10-1, 9-2, 3-0) by Australia.
That defeat saw them contest the 15th-16th place playoff where they fell short 14-13 (score by quarters: 7-2, 3-4, 3-3, 1-4) against hosts Singapore.
All-told, the South African men's side played five matches, lost all five, scored 29 goals and conceded 120 for an average loss of 24-6.
Hopefully Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie has a plan up his sleeve to turn around South Africa's water polo fortunes in time for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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