Simon’s Town paddler Jaidon MacCondochie is looking forward to representing South Africa on the global stage when he takes part in the Canoe Polo World Championships in Duisburg, Germany, on Tuesday 8 September this year.

MacCondochie, 19, will compete in the u-21 Men’s division at what is reported to be the most well-attended event in the sport.

It will also be the first time that the African continent is represented in the Women’s u-21 category.

Humble beginnings

He is the first player from Peninsula Canoe Club to represent the club at the World Championships, a milestone his family describes as the culmination of years of hard work, said his mother, Catherine.

MacCondochie started playing canoe polo in April 2022 and flourished under the coaching of Terrence Ward.

His first tournament was representing Western Province at SA National Champs in February 2023, at which his u-18 team won the title, beating a dominant Gauteng side.

That same year he represented South Africa at the Junior World Champs in Belfast.

“He has also represented his country in the u-18 and u-21 age groups at Africa Champs against older SA teams and Namibia,” she added.

“As a family, we are immensely proud of his achievements after many years of hard work and dedication. We know he will proudly represent his country and club,” she said.

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