KNYSNA NEWS - The town's canoe polo players represented South Africa at the 41st ICF Canoe Polo World Championships in Duisburg, Germany, from 15 to 20 September, gaining valuable international experience against some of the world's strongest teams.

First international competition

The tournament marked these U21 players' first international competition. Despite facing opponents who were on average four to five years older, the young players competed with determination and improved as the tournament progressed.

The U21 men's squad consisted of Dru Guberman, Daniel Smit, David Clulee, Luca Lutolf, Jack Ligeti and Ayden Gething, with Clulee serving as captain and Gething as vice captain. They were supported by club coach Jamie Truby.

The U21 women's contingent included Lila Webster, Yaelah Sharpley and Giulia Lutolf.

The Knysna contingent made a notable contribution to their respective South African teams.

Truby was named the leading goal scorer for the men, Guberman the top scorer for the U21 men and Webster the leading scorer for the U21 women.

The South African U21 women finished 13th in the final standings, while the

men's team placed 19th in a highly competitive field.

The experience provided the young players with an opportunity to test themselves at the highest level while gaining exposure to international competition.

Their participation also comes as Knysna prepares to host the South African Canoe Polo Championships during the Easter holidays next year. The exact date and venue have yet to be confirmed.

Truby said the players could be proud of their performances in Germany, having competed hard throughout the tournament and grown in confidence with each game.

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