Former St Benedict’s College learner Rea Theledi has his eyes set on world water polo fame.
Rea, who matriculated last year, recently signed with Salem University’s water polo team in the USA.
He started playing water polo in Grade Eight when he joined St Benedict’s College.
During his time with the school, Rea showed he had an exceptional talent for the sport.
He said he joined the water polo team because it required little fitness training.
“When I saw the basketball boys doing fitness training, I was convinced there was no way I was doing that.
“The polo coach at the time came to me and told me in water polo there isn’t any fitness activities needed, so my lazy self decided water polo was for me,” Rea said.
He added that coach Rob Ambler motivated him to always do better.
“He said I have a talent and he constantly told me to stop being lazy.”
Rea made sure he was consistent in his training and always showed his commitment to the sport.
He said being signed to Salem University was overwhelming.
“I’ll be moving far away from home and there will be new people and a new environment. But I am excited and proud of myself because I have made my parents and the red and blue army proud.”
Rea added St Benedict’s played a crucial role in his achievement because that’s where he was first introduced to the sport.
To date, he has represented South Africa in water polo, participated in the Reef Cup and was named Bennies Sportsman of the Year for 2020.
Speaking of his most memorable moments in the sport, Rea said the event that features tops for him was winning the Reef Cup.
“Spending quality time with the team and their positive influence on me have been priceless.”
He urged aspiring water polo players to dedicate their time to conditioning and mental fitness.
“Those are the two things that really worked for me,” he said.
While at Salem University, Rea will pursue an academic qualification in business administration in international business.
Looking to the future, Rea said he will focus on pursuing a career in business, as well as starting a family and becoming a multi-millionaire.
