Vacancies

WATERPOLO COACH

Purpose of the Role

To plan, deliver and evaluate a high-quality water polo programme that supports the development of players’ skills, teamwork, discipline and enjoyment of the game, while upholding the values and standards of Umhlali Preparatory School.

Key Responsibilities

Coaching & Player Development

  • Plan and deliver structured, age-appropriate training sessions.
  • Teach fundamental water polo skills, tactics and game awareness.
  • Develop players’ swimming, ball-handling, shooting, defensive and tactical abilities.
  • Foster a positive, inclusive and motivating team environment.
  • Select teams fairly based on performance, effort and commitment.

Match Preparation & Management

  • Prepare teams for fixtures, including tactical planning and team selection.
  • Manage and coach teams during matches, festivals and tournaments.
  • Promote sportsmanship, discipline and respect for officials, teammates and opponents.

Administration & Organisation

  • Attend all scheduled practices, matches and relevant meetings.
  • Communicate effectively with pupils, parents and Sports Department staff.
  • Maintain attendance records and basic player information.
  • Assist with equipment, pool set-up and general logistics where applicable.

Health, Safety & Welfare

  • Ensure the safety and well-being of all players in and around the pool at all times.
  • Follow safeguarding and child protection policies.
  • Manage injuries appropriately and report incidents when required.
  • Ensure all equipment and facilities are used safely and responsibly.

Professional Conduct

  • Act as a positive role model in and out of the pool.
  • Uphold the values and ethos of Umhlali Preparatory School.
  • Maintain punctuality, preparedness and professionalism.
  • Work collaboratively within the Sports Department and contribute positively to a shared working environment.

    Key Skills & Competencies

    • Strong knowledge of water polo techniques, tactics and game management.
    • Sound understanding of player development within a school environment.
    • Ability to coach, motivate and inspire young athletes.
    • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
    • Strong organisational and time-management skills.
    • Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.

    Qualifications & Experience (Preferred)

    • Previous water polo coaching experience.
    • Relevant coaching qualification or accreditation.
    • Strong swimming ability and understanding of water safety.
    • First Aid certification.
    • Valid safeguarding/child protection clearance (e.g. police clearance).

    Time Commitment

    • Attendance at scheduled training sessions.

     

     

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    • Closing date for applications: 03 July 2026
    • Location: KwaZulu Natal
    • Workplace: Preparatory school – state
    • Commencement date: Term 3 2026
    • Contact details: rclift@umhlaliprep.co.za
    • Address: 1 School Road, Umhlali, Ballito, KZN

      Application Process

      If you have not been contacted by the school within a week of the closing date, please consider your application to have been unsuccessful.  All applications will be treated in strict confidence. An application in itself does not entitle the applicant to an interview.  Under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) which came into effect on 1 July 2021, all organisations and schools alike have a legal obligation to manage the personal information it processes appropriately, by applying specific principles and conditions.  Our school is committed to ensuring the security and protection of your personal information and to provide a compliant and consistent approach to data protection.  We thank you for your interest in our school.