Ballito GTs bring back silver from Masters waterpolo tournament

Old friendships and even older muscles were re-engaged when the Ballito GTs reached the final of the 23rd annual SA Masters waterpolo tournament.

Fourteen of Ballito’s best waterpolo players between the ages of 25 and 35 entered the tournament held at King’s Park last weekend, without ever having played a game together.

Nevertheless, with a few months of training under their belts, the GTs were ready for the challenge, facing off against 40 other teams from across the country.

“Team manager and coach Gavin Kyte, a former SA waterpolo player and Salt Rock resident, convinced the team of ‘has been’ players to get back into their speedos,” said team-member Darron Taylor.

The team played 6 games over 2 days before winning their semi-final to set them up for a final showdown on Saturday.

“We played in the outside pool and unfortunately torrential rain made it difficult for our supporters. Still, the team put in an improved performance after enjoying some game-time together and we narrowly lost 7-10 to the ‘Big 5’ squad from Durban.”

Aside from the silver medal, Seamus Kelly – known to the team as Ballito GTs right fetch and best TikTok Influencer – won the ‘Spirit of Masters’ award, while James Winter took home the goalkeeper of the tournament trophy.

The team thanked sponsors SMG, O’Neill, The Barrel Bar – who donated costumes and kit – and Reddam School for allowing the use of its pool for training sessions.

If you would like to become a Ballito GT member or simply want to get some swimming training in, contact Paul Bees at 074 195 5760.

“We hope to see the Ballito GTs grow in strength and numbers as a family-orientated sport open to all age groups in the Ballito/Salt Rock community for years to come.”

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