Reddam House Bedfordview learner earns South Africa water polo call-up

Kelsey Meth is appealing for sponsors and community support after being selected to represent South Africa at the World Aquatics Championships in Zagreb, Croatia, from July 25 to 31.

Kelsey, who is 16 years old, attends Reddam House Bedfordview on a partial scholarship earned through her sporting achievements. She will compete as part of the South African U16 women’s water polo team.

However, the honour comes with a hefty price tag, as water polo in South Africa is largely self- funded.

Kelsey and her family are aiming to raise about R65 000 to cover international flights, accommodation, tournament fees, team management costs, training camp expenses and official kit.

ALSO READ: City engages stakeholders to strengthen airport and public transport links

From reluctant beginner to national player

Although Kelsey has been swimming since she was 18 months old, she only began playing water polo at the age of 10 during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Her mother, Valda Meth, enrolled her in the sport to encourage her to spend time outside after lockdown restrictions had taken a toll on her well-being.

Kelsey disliked the sport and intended to return to hockey, but encouragement from her first coach, Malcolm Ackerman, and her natural ability soon changed her perspective.

After just one introductory programme, she was encouraged to compete at the provincial level and has since represented Gauteng every year from the U12 to U15 age groups. She is also part of the current U16 provincial training squad.

ALSO READ: Energy, upsets, and unity mark day three of the Saints Sports Festival

Selection earned through hard work

In 2025, Kelsey was selected for the South African development squad and travelled to Zimbabwe to compete against the Zimbabwean national junior team.

Her latest achievement came after impressive performances at national tournaments, where selectors identified her as one of the country’s top young players. Following a national training camp involving fitness testing, drills, and match play, she secured one of only 14 places in the official South African U16 women’s water polo team.

Kelsey said representing South Africa has been a dream since Grade Eight.

“I set the goal to wear the green and gold and have worked hard every year to make that dream a reality. Seeing all the sacrifices and dedication pay off means everything to me, “she said.

Understanding water polo
Water polo is a competitive team sport played in water between two teams of seven players each.

The game consists of four quarters in which the teams attempt to score goals by throwing the ball into the opposing team’s goal.

The team with more goals at the end of the game wins the match. Each team is made up of six field players and one goalkeeper.

Water polo combines elements of swimming, rugby and handball. Played in deep water where athletes cannot touch the bottom of the pool and must tread water continuously while passing and shooting with one hand in an effort to score goals.

The physically demanding sport requires exceptional endurance, strength, tactical awareness and teamwork, with athletes constantly swimming, defending and attacking throughout the match.

ALSO READ: KES Easter Festival day 2 promises more thrilling schoolboy sport

Inspiring the next generation
Valda hopes Kelsey’s achievement will inspire more young people, particularly girls of colour, to believe they belong in every sporting code.

“Representation matters. When children see someone who looks like them wearing the national colours, they realise that those opportunities are possible for them too,” said Valda.

Kelsey credits the sport with teaching her discipline, leadership, teamwork and resilience while pushing her beyond her comfort zone.

Community support needed

As water polo in South Africa is largely self-funded, Kelsey is appealing to the community to help make her dream possible.

Funds raised will contribute towards international flights, accommodation, tournament fees, training camp expenses and official team kit.

ALSO READ: Saints Sports Festival day three keeps the energy alive

Residents wishing to support Kelsey or obtain more information about her fundraising campaign can contact her mother, Valda Meth, on 065 702 7895 or visit back a buddy link on https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/help-kelsey-represent-sa-in-zagrebcroatia?fbclid=PAdGRleARyP09leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAacMXpbgF33caJ8TOYF2BY3Q8HEvqStJd6YHPGyv8d1elfy6HsgiwaPnXY0fZA_aem_LjbRF8heNZHMgzUsAIKlWQ