Considering South Africa’s unfortunate absence from the upcoming 2024 Olympics in France, it is imperative to address the underlying issues that have hindered their participation. Despite the efforts of our teams in Doha, the lack of preparation and mismanagement by Swim South Africa led to our failure to secure a top 12 spot, as required for qualification (bullshit but understandable).
It is now time to shift our focus to the future and ensure that such a situation does not recur. The Olympics should be a platform for the best teams to compete, not a stage for underprepared participation. Therefore, it is crucial for World Aquatics, particularly Canada and Romania (as gift recipients), to step up and assist South Africa in advancing their water polo ambitions.
While the decision by World Aquatics may have been made in consultation with South Africa, it is essential to understand the terms of this decision. Did money or benefits change hands (not uncommon when dealing with “injected, rather than elected” South African officials), was there a commitment from World Aquatics to help improve water polo infrastructure and development programs in Africa? Or was this merely a missed opportunity to hold South African Water Polo accountable for Swim South Africa’s shortcomings?
As former players and enthusiasts of the sport, we urge World Aquatics to grant us a voice in these discussions (Swim South Africa’s legitimacy as the only “representative” of South African Water Polo is rejected with contempt). It is time to hold Swim South Africa accountable and devise a comprehensive plan to foster the growth of water polo in Africa. This plan should not only prepare us for future Olympic tournaments but also allow those players who missed out on the 2024 Olympics to represent their country at the highest level in the future. Together, we can ensure that South Africa emerges as a competitive force in water polo on the world stage.