Balls to the Wall: A Whirlpool of Waters
by Alan Stapleton

March 1, 2015 - Mention the name, Siyoli Waters at squash courts and in broader  sporting circles, and most probably, you will be met with blank faces . Siyoli Who ? How sad it is, that this protégé’ of the Eastern Cape,  leading South African squash lady and World Number 34 is hardly known in her  home province. That she was invited by the World Squash Federation to be part of the delegation to present squash’s case for inclusion in the Olympics, speaks volumes. And yet  she is virtually unknown to Joe Public. The same could be said for Steve Coppinger, whois now firmly ensconced in the top 20 in the world. It is a sin that SASCOC prevented these 2 from participating in the Commonwealth Games

Last month, the Port Elizabeth Squash family was treated to an inspirational and motivational whirlwind when Waters flooded into town.

 Siyoli’s visit encapsulated the entire spectrum of squash in the province with a visit to the ETC courts, where Angela  Difford still martials hordes of development children with her band of trusty teachers. Powerful messages and memories were imprinted in the minds of some amazed followers, all thirsting for knowledge (and kit, and clothing and facilities.) Then it was to Old Grey, where Thami Mngcete, Jacqui Ryder and Anlen Murray took on the World No 34. Each match was inter-laced with talk from Siyoli and questions from a crowd, ranging from EP players to Nth League enthusiasts and EP juniors. A consummate fruit salad of EP Squash.

 Caught up in Siyoli's  smiley exuberance and positive beauty, their "sacrifice" of a Friday Evening, reaped dividends. The exhibitions , using a demonstration of the 3- marker system ,complete, there were more questions which then filtered into a demonstration of how Siyoli covers a Solo Practice Session. Not for sissies !! This Eastern Cape girl  has obviously worked exceptionally hard to get to where she is . Too soon it all ended, and the crowds, gorged with insight and new ideas, trickled home.

I sauntered off for a beer, and then returned to the courts to say my good- byes and thank you's .

Where was Siyoli ?  After about 5 hours of coaching, playing and talking, there she was, hitting on court with some of the” littlies” and chatting away.  And then we chatted...

When and how did you start playing squash

I started playing when I was at junior school at DSG in Grahamstown. My tennis teacher, Jenny Emslie, took us to the courts after a tennis match was rained out.

What other sports did you play ?

I played Hockey and Tennis all the way until Matric, at first team and provincial level.

When did you start concentrating on squash ?

Only after I went to university.

Any early/school influences

I never had a personal coach, so my squash influences were the teachers and fellow players who kept giving me tips along the way. I still remember the Grade 7 teacher, Miss Hayward, teaching me how to play the backhand – getting me to really turn my shoulders…then Mrs Julie Patrick who was always so positive and encouraging  throughout my high school years.

You sang at her wedding didn’t you ?

(Laughing) I did. How did you know ?

Your School sporting highlights ?

I enjoyed competing at the Top Schools in Pietermaritzburg with our school squash team . While it was top squash, it also embraced players who were not necessarily provincial players. It is such a great tournament with awesome cameraderie and spirit. And then of course winning the u/14 and u/16 National titles.

Disappointments ?

Having to stop playing Provincial hockey because the squash Inter-provincials were scheduled for the same week.

After school, you headed overseas ?

After matric, I did A-Levels in Millfield in England. I was there for 2 years where I trained and practised under Jonah Barrington He had a big influence on how I train by myself in order to improve my racket skills and movement.

What did you study at UCT ?

I have a BSc Degree in Chemistry.

Some comments about life on the Professional circuit ?

I think I was born to travel. I love visiting different countries, and being immersed in another culture. It can be tough if you naturally like to keep to yourself. When you are on tour, you have to learn to practice with others. You become friends with people that you end up playing against and fighting to get your spot in the tournament. It’s a delicate balance.

Advice for Juniors ?

Finances are always going to be a hurdle.Don’t let that be the reason to stop you from trying. It’s important to keep an eye out for international standards while you are a junior, so you always know what you are aiming for.

Advice for parents with talented kids

Encourage your kids to watch squash. Give them space and time to practice and play on their own.

Your views on standard of SA Squash

SA has a good base of squash players. The general level of squash throughout the country is quite strong. It’s just that we expose our best players to international standards too late.

Siyoli Waters - you are a true ambassador to sport, to squash, and to transformation in sport. You stand as an example to sports people, young and old, of someone who is prepared to work that extra hour, to take some chances and to follow your dreams. And then to give back to the sport that has opened doors for you. Like the Pied Piper, long may you whistle your squash tunes and draw hundreds of squash rats to the courts, making the base of squash wider and stronger. A base, from which many future Champions will be produced. And may you receive the recognition and reward you so truly deserve.

Come back to Port Elizabeth. We love you, and we miss you.





Alan Stapleton – a passionate sports-mad squashaholic , who was introduced to the game by bribery of chips and Coke while his father dabbled with dobbly trickle boasts, and then converted at a clinic held by the legendary Jonah Barrington. While never reaching dizzy heights as a player, he did play representative/provincial and 1st league squash, and via a combination of playing, and coaching at all levels , and administering, he has become addicted to the beautiful highs that this amazing sport can take one to, day, or night, without fear of rain, wind, heat, hail or snow, and irrespective of the level of skill. Now, through his love of writing, he tries to “spread the word” and some nuggets of wisdom gleaned from his squash journey. Married with 2 children, this former teacher, now Marketing Manager, lives in Port Elizabeth, South  Africa.