With a tank full of ambition, young Bulelwa Mzimela is making waves in the polo world having been selected to represent South Africa.
Mzimela (16) is taking off to #Brno in the #Czech Republic at the end of the month to compete in the U17 EU Nations #Waterpolo tournament where ten teams will be competing.
"This is the first time that I will be representing South Africa, and I can't wait. It sincerely means a lot to me. And hopefully won't be the last time."
The three day tournament that starts on 30 March has host nation Czech Republic, #Denmark, #England, #Germany, #Ireland, #Scotland, #Slovakia, South Africa, #Switzerland and Wales participating. The round robin format has South Africa in Pool A taking on Wales, Slovakia, Ireland and Scotland. Once all the pool games are played, the two top teams from both pools advance to the semi-finals and then thereafter the two best teams meet in the finals.
"I love polo; I love the tactics, the tricks, spinning out of tackles. I love that it looks so graceful but under water it can be challenging and a bit rough."
The youngster has travelled far and wide around South Africa through her sports. “I am extremely fortunate to be able to explore and discover our country. But in all honesty, getting my first stamp in my passport is so exciting.”
The talented water baby is one of only two #KZN players in the team set to jet off to Europe, “Our team is great, we all know each other well having played against each other often in various tournaments. Our coach Jon-Marc De Carvalho reads the game well and is a fabulous motivator. All we need now is to gel in the pool and let the magic happen.”
Mzimela fell into the sport in Grade 5 when she was supporting her twin brother at training and was asked if she wanted to join. She jumped at the opportunity and hasn't looked back. Her twin, Bulelani has also just donned the green and gold for waterpolo this last weekend at Kings Park.
Only five minutes separate the two aspiring sporting siblings, "We are both highly motivated and are driven to achieve. I know that if I don't get something right, I try and try and try again until eventually I do. My parents say that we are both very determined."
“I play on the wing or fetch. I get a thrill out of attacking play and being able to capitalise on some awesome play and team work with getting the ball in the back of the net.”
This weekend she takes to the field with her second passion, hockey. The Grade 10 pupil at Durban Girls' College is part of the first hockey team that are taking part in the SPAR KZN School Girls' Hockey Challenge. College are the defending champs and the only team that has made it through to all the Grand Finals.
"I took part in the KZN hockey trials at #Queensmead last week. The team hasn't been announced yet, but I am hopeful."
Mzimela plans on pursuing a career in law when she finishes school. “I would love to get a degree in law, possibly studying overseas. I am working hard to earn a sports scholarship, hopefully in a country where both polo and hockey are mainstream. #Holland is appealing, but time will tell.”
Diving in, the effervescent Bulelwa Mzimela is having a rippling affect in youth sports in Durban, with her never say die attitude, her eagerness to succeed, the future star certainly is going to make a splash.
Sophie Thompson