Another international tournament, another series of brutal defeats suffered by South Africa’s women’s water polo side.
Playing at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, they 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 for an average loss of 16-4.
The South African women’s side then entered the 13th-16th place bracket where they lost 16-6 against Croatia.
They will now face hosts Singapore on Saturday, 19 July at 09:00 (SA time) to determine 15th and 16th places overall.
Faired little better
Meanwhile, the South African men’s side faired little better.
They 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 for an average loss of 26-4.
The South African men’s side will now enter the 13th-16th place bracket where they will face Australia on Friday, 18 July at 09:00 (SA time).
Should they lose that match – as is expected – they will face the loser of the clash between hosts Singapore and China to determine 15th and 16th places overall.
Despite being the best in Africa, why do South Africa struggle on the international water polo stage?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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