Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Keanan Hemmonsbey
Published on 2024-03-07 21:08:26
The relationship between Swimming South Africa (SSA) and water polo has been strained, culminating in the recent disappointment of the national men’s and women’s water polo teams not being able to participate in the upcoming Paris Olympics despite qualifying as continental representatives. This issue has been brewing for some time, with several water polo coaches expressing dissatisfaction with their treatment by SSA. However, these concerns have been suppressed due to SSA’s threats of disciplinary hearings and suspensions.
One notable case is that of Brett Redelinghuys, a former member of an SSA technical committee for water polo who was banned by SSA in 2022 after a controversial disciplinary hearing conducted without his presence or legal representation. Redelinghuys is currently appealing against the ban, highlighting the lack of communication from SSA’s top management.
The root of Redelinghuys’ ban lies in his attempt to establish an independent water polo committee within the SSA structure. This move was seen as challenging the authority of SSA’s hierarchy, which oversees various aquatic sports, including water polo. The current hierarchy at SSA consists of an executive body with several technical committees responsible for each sport under SSA’s umbrella. However, there have been allegations of bypassing the technical committees in decision-making processes, leading to discontent among members of the water polo community.
Redelinghuys has initiated WaterPolo4Change, aiming to reform the SSA constitution to grant each discipline within SSA a seat at the executive table and autonomy over their respective sports. This proposed restructuring aligns with successful models observed in other countries where water polo has been professionalized.
Despite the potential benefits of this restructuring, South Africa faces unique challenges within its water polo structure. The lack of long-term planning and inadequate support from SSA has hindered the development of the sport and impacted the performance of national teams. The rushed preparation for international events like the World Aquatics Championships further emphasizes the need for strategic planning and consistent support for water polo players and teams.
The inability of SSA to provide a comprehensive high-performance plan for the next Olympic cycle raises concerns about the organization’s commitment to improving the sport. Several national water polo team members have quietly retired following the Olympic qualification controversy, reflecting the growing disillusionment within the water polo community.
In conclusion, the turbulent relationship between SSA and water polo highlights systemic issues within the organization that need to be addressed. By advocating for greater autonomy and support for water polo, initiatives like WaterPolo4Change aim to reform the current structures and improve the overall quality of the sport in South Africa. It is vital for SSA to engage with stakeholders, address grievances, and prioritize the long-term development of water polo to ensure the success and sustainability of the sport at all levels.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
