The prestigious Mazinter Cup, established in the 1980s, is the pinnacle of school water polo, with teams qualifying for the semi-finals based on their season’s performance.
This year, Herzlia had the honour of not only hosting the U19 Boys’ and Girls’ semi-finals in our new Aquatic Centre for the first time, but also competing in both – a remarkable achievement as the only co-ed school to have both teams reach the semi-finals and finals in the same year. But the biggest milestone of all? For the first time in Herzlia’s 84-year history, the Girls’ 1st Team won the Mazinter Cup!
A Historic Victory for Herzlia’s Girls’ 1st Team
Herzlia’s Girls’ 1st Team made history with an incredible journey to the championship. After reaching their first-ever Mazinter semi-final, they secured a decisive 8-5 victory against Parklands, earning their spot in the final. In an electrifying showdown at SACS, the team displayed incredible determination and skill, ultimately emerging victorious and clinching the Mazinter Cup for the first time in school history.
Captain Aimee Hutchison, Grade 12, reflected on this groundbreaking achievement: “We’ve put in so many hard, tired, frustrating, happy, and energetic hours of practice to get to this point. We are all extremely proud and excited to be a part of the school’s history. As a team, we bonded straight off the bat and were able to be friends in and out of the pool. We couldn’t have done it without our coaches Mark and Josh, and we can’t wait to see what this team achieves next.”
A Strong Fight from Herzlia’s Boys’ 1st Team
Not to be outdone, the Boys’ 1st Team also delivered an outstanding performance, battling through a tough semi-final against Somerset College to secure a 5-4 victory. Their final against Westerford was a thrilling contest, with Herzlia leading for most of the match. However, in a dramatic turn of events, a last-minute penalty with just 30 seconds remaining gave Westerford the edge, resulting in a narrow 6-5 defeat. While the loss was heartbreaking, the team’s courage, skill, and sportsmanship were undeniable, and they will undoubtedly come back stronger next year.
Herzlia’s Ruach Shines Bright
Herzlia supporters turned out in full force, bringing unparalleled ruach to the finals. With both teams competing for glory, the atmosphere was electric, and the entire Herzlia community erupted in celebration as the Girls’ team secured their historic victory.
As the 2024-25 water polo season comes to an end, Herzlia’s water polo teams and coaches have much to be proud of. From their success at the Knysna Chukka Festival and league fixtures to the compliments and awards they received for sportsmanship and respect, Herzlia continues to embody the pillar of menschlichkeit in and out of the pool. ●
Herzlia Boys’ 1st Water Polo Team: L – R: Sam Lee, Max Blaszkiewicz, Caleb Chin, Gugu Hayim, Adam Stoller, Joseph Lee, Jamie Palmer, Jack Nathan, Sam Marks, Joshua Stoller, Judd Kilborn, Jasper Stevenson, Ben Levin.
Herzlia Girls’ Water Polo 1st Team with their medals: Front L – R: Eden Sachs, Saskia Gofman, Sienna Daitsh, Megan Hurwitz. 2nd row: Zoe Sternberg, Sienna Berridge, Ariel Zetler, Ruby-Rose Levin. 3rd row: Madison Daitsh, Aimee Hutchison, Ava Palmer, Estella Mann, Danni Shochot. Back row: Coaches, Josh Ankertill and Mark Mansvelt.
Herzlia at Knysna Chukka Festival
Herzlia High School junior and senior water polo players competed in the annual Knysna Chukka Water Polo Festival in February against Oakhill, Bridgehouse, Somerset College, Grey, Alexander Road, Parklands, Rhenish, St Alban’s, Kingswood and Bloemhof.
Herzlia’s teams did us proud in the water, as well as out of the water, with the Juniors winning the sportsmanship award. Thanks to coaches and parents for their support and for giving our pupils memories and experiences to last a lifetime.
Herzlia’s U13 Soccer Stars Shine
Herzlia’s U13 soccer boys put on a stellar performance at the annual Sunset 5-a-Side Soccer Tournament at Reddam Atlantic.
Learning beyond the classroom: GRADE 7 marine adventure
At Herzlia, we believe that learning is an exciting journey and takes place beyond the classroom, where education meets exploration. Our annual Gr 7 Marine Day outing offers pupils a hands-on, feet wet adventure, visiting the Two Oceans Aquarium and the Dalebrook tidal pool. This two-day experience brings life sciences to life, encouraging fieldwork, report writing, and teamwork while encouraging a deeper connection to nature.
Jolly good reunion in the UK FOR class of 1994!
United Herzlia Schools www.herzlia.com
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