Olympic Nice Natation has presented the 7 Water Polo teams that will proudly defend the Nice club. Among them, two categories have great ambitions: The women’s team and the elite men’s team, which once again competes in the top tier in Pro A.
The women’s Water Polo team will rely this year on a group of 15 players, including 12 newcomers. “It’s a very young team revamped by 90%. We are counting on this new generation to achieve something good this year,” says the president of Olympic Nice Natation. Used to playing at the top of the league, the women’s team, which has won 6 French championship titles in recent years, is going through a transition year that is still ambitious.
On the men’s side, the club’s flagship team is none other than the one playing in the elite of water polo. Described by the president as “the main link of ONN,” this category has high hopes placed on it. “We hope the team will have an admirable season. I have complete confidence in the current coach, even though I’m naturally disappointed with the 4th place finish in the rankings last year,” he explains.
To do better, the group can rely on new recruits, particularly with the arrivals of David Babic, Croatian champion in 2009, and Arnaud Zadowski, 6-time French champion and described as one of the best French players. Coach Samuel Hardon will also have the option to play the three best young players from the club, aged 15 to 16, who have joined the pro group this year.
The other 5 Water Polo teams are men’s. They include the pushers, benjamins, minimes, cadets juniors, and the regional team. The latter is also expected to perform well because “they represent the future of the club,” according to the president. “This generation will replace the big names of Pro A,” he assures.
