Luke Manthe
Port Elizabeth
Summary
Experienced Head Coach and Aquatics Leader with a strong track record in international water polo development. Skilled in team leadership, athlete development, and program management across multiple countries. Proven ability to build high-performance cultures, mentor coaches, and deliver elite-level results. Passionate about growing water polo and fostering talent at all levels.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head Coach
Smith Water Polo Camp
01.2022 - Current
- Head Coach of the annual Smith Water Polo Camp in Harare, Zimbabwe, overseeing 350+ athletes and 15 international coaches.
- Lead one of the largest and most prestigious water polo development programs globally.
- Worked alongside numerous Olympians and gold medalists.
- Foster elite-level talent and contribute to the growth of water polo in the region.
Head Coach
South Africa Water Polo (SAWP)
07.2025 - 08.2025
- Appointed Head Coach of the Rhino’s Men’s Water Polo Team in South Africa’s franchise system.
- Mentored an assistant coach and team manager to support their professional development.
- Focused on building a high-performance culture to become the best team in South Africa.
- Promoted good sportsmanship with competing teams on- and off-field.
Director of Aquatics
Durban High School
01.2025 - 07.2025
- Led the rebuilding and strategic development of swimming and water polo programs at Durban High School.
- Established frameworks to support long-term program growth.
- Focused on coach development and mentoring to enhance program quality.
- Served as Assistant Coach to the 1st Water Polo team and Head Coach of the U15 Boys team.
- Guided the swimming program to a top 3 national ranking in South Africa.
Head of Aquatics
Hellenic Academy
01.2022 - 12.2024
- Provided strategic direction for the Aquatics department, aligning objectives with the organization's overall goals.
- Led a team of aquatic professionals, including coaches, managers and support staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
- Designed and implemented aquatic programs (Water Polo & Swimming) catering to different age groups and skill levels.
- Hellenic Academy number one aquatics school for 2023 - 20224
Founder & Head Coach
Manta Rays Water Polo Club
01.2017 - 12.2023
- Established the club's vision and mission, aligning them with the development of water polo athletes.
- Oversaw day-to-day operations, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation.
- Successfully trained three athletes who went on to compete in the Tokyo Olympics, demonstrating a commitment to high-performance coaching.
- Numerous athletes went to represent their country at age group level.
- Developed relationships within the community to promote the club, attract talent, and foster partnerships.
- Oversaw financial management activities such as budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow monitoring for improved financial stability.
Head Coach
Zimbabwe Water Polo
03.2023 - 09.2023
- Successfully led the Senior Women's team to the World Beach Qualifiers in Egypt & qualified for World Championships.
- Led and managed the national teams, overseeing training, game strategies, and player development.
- Prepared teams for international competitions, focusing on strategic planning, player readiness, and adaptability.
- Assumed the role of Age Group Head Coach, contributing to the development of young talent for the national teams.
Head of Water Polo
Grey High School
08.2020 - 12.2022
- Mentored and coached high school athletes, focusing on skill development, fitness, and sportsmanship.
- Fostered a positive team environment, emphasizing collaboration, discipline, and commitment to excellence.
- Developed and executed effective game strategies, leading the team to successful competition outcomes.
- Actively participated in the recruitment and development of talented athletes to enhance the team's overall performance.
Assistant Coach
New Zealand Women's Water Polo
06.2022 - 07.2022
- Collaborated with the head coach to develop and implement game strategies, focusing on match analysis and opponent assessment at The World Aquatic Championships in Budapest, Hungary
- Played a key role in fostering team cohesion, motivation, and a positive team culture.
- Conducted video analysis sessions to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
- Team New Zealand achieved their highest ever finish in 9th position.
Head Coach
Mounťort Park Water Polo Club
01.2020 - 07.2020
- Provided strategic and tactical leadership for the senior men's and women's water polo teams competing in the National League.
- Focused on individual and team skill development, fitness, and performance optimization.
- Developed and executed game strategies, emphasizing adaptability and effective in-game decision-making.
- Actively recruited new players and implemented strategies to retain existing talent.
Assistant Coach
New Zealand Water Polo
01.2019 - 07.2020
- Contributed to the development of young talent in the age group teams, focusing on skill enhancement and holistic player growth.
- Assisted in preparing teams for age group competitions, emphasizing both individual and team readiness.
- Provided mentorship and guidance to young athletes, fostering a positive and growth-oriented mindset.
- Worked closely with the coaching staff to ensure a seamless transition of players from age group to senior levels.
Head Coach
Otago Water Polo Club
02.2019 - 12.2019
- Developed and executed initiatives to increase club membership, engaging in community outreach and promotional activities.
- Led the club to success in various competitions, balancing the focus on both participation and winning.
- Implemented programs to nurture young talent, fostering a pathway for players from grassroots to competitive levels.
- Worked on long-term strategic plans for the club's development and success.
Assistant Coach
South Africa Water Polo
01.2018 - 06.2019
- Assisted in preparing the senior men's and women's teams for international competitions.
- Provided technical expertise to enhance player skills and optimize team performance.
- Conducted scouting of opponents and contributed to strategic analysis for international matches.
- Collaborated with coaching staff and players to create a cohesive and competitive team environment.
Head of Aquatics & English Teacher
Pearson High School
01.2014 - 01.2019
- Oversaw swimming, water polo (boys and girls), surfing, surf life-saving, and artistic swimming programs.
- Coached the Pearson 1st team girls to a number 1 ranking in South Africa for two consecutive years.
- Produced numerous national-level athletes across various aquatic disciplines, highlighting a commitment to talent development.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with the curriculum, fostering a positive and interactive learning environment.
- Employed effective teaching methods to ensure student comprehension and participation.
Head Coach
South Africa Water Polo
01.2017 - 10.2018
- Coached the U17 Women's team to victory in the EU Nations Tournament in Denmark (2017), showcasing tactical prowess and effective player development.
- Led the U18 Women's team to a second-place finish in the EU Nations Tournament in Czech Republic (2018), demonstrating consistent success at the international level.
- Guided the U18 Women's team through the World Championships in Serbia, emphasizing competitive readiness and international exposure.
Head of Water Polo
Collegiate Girls' High School
05.2012 - 12.2013
Head Coach
Bath University
01.2009 - 04.2010
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English and Geography
Nelson Mandela University
Port Elizabeth, South Africa01.2015
High school diploma -
Grey High School
Port Elizabeth, South Africa01.2003
Skills
- Team management & recruiting
- Elite-level water polo coaching (senior, age group, and development teams)
- Motivational leadership style
- Game strategy creation and execution
- Multi-sport aquatics program oversight (swimming, water polo, surf lifesaving, artistic swimming)
- Qualified Swim Teacher (STA approved)
Certification
STA Swim Teachers Course
Languages
English
Afrikaans
Mentorships
- Fecundo Policarpo, Argentinian Women's Head Coach, 2016-01-01, 2023-12-31, Engaged in a mentorship with Fecundo Policarpo, the Head Coach of the Argentinian Women's Water Polo team., Benefited from insights into coaching strategies, team management, and the intricacies of coaching at the international level., Developed a deeper understanding of building successful women's water polo programs.
- Jeremy Davie, Former USC Captain, 2016-01-01, 2023-12-31, Received mentorship from Jeremy Davie, a former USC Captain renowned for his leadership and playing career., Gained perspectives on player development, leadership within a team, and the transition from player to mentor., Explored strategies for creating a positive team culture and fostering teamwork.
Personal Information
- Title: Head Coach / Head of Water Polo
- Date of Birth: 21/04/1985
- Nationality: South Africa
- Driving License: Full
- Marital Status: Single
References
- Angie Winstanley - Smith, New Zealand Water Polo, angie@waterpolo.org.nz, +6421443117
- Facundo Policarpo, Argentina Water Polo, facundopolicarpo@hotmail.com, +642040644272
- Andre Van Staden, Paul Roos, vanstaden.a@telkomsa.net, +27 834680882
- Ryno Scholtz, Nelson Mandela Bay Aquatics, ryno@rsalaw.co.za, +27 84 5640517
- Sarah Kravitz, South Africa Water Polo, sarahleeharris@hotmail.com, +1 6507274116
- Rowie Webster, Former Australia Women's Captain, +61 419341014
Hobbies and Interests
- Surfing
- Camping
- Diving
- Reading
Timeline
Head Coach
South Africa Water Polo (SAWP)
07.2025 - 08.2025
Director of Aquatics
Durban High School
01.2025 - 07.2025
Head Coach
Zimbabwe Water Polo
03.2023 - 09.2023
Assistant Coach
New Zealand Women's Water Polo
06.2022 - 07.2022
Head Coach
Smith Water Polo Camp
01.2022 - Current
Head of Aquatics
Hellenic Academy
01.2022 - 12.2024
Head of Water Polo
Grey High School
08.2020 - 12.2022
Head Coach
Mounťort Park Water Polo Club
01.2020 - 07.2020
Head Coach
Otago Water Polo Club
02.2019 - 12.2019
Assistant Coach
New Zealand Water Polo
01.2019 - 07.2020
Assistant Coach
South Africa Water Polo
01.2018 - 06.2019
Founder & Head Coach
Manta Rays Water Polo Club
01.2017 - 12.2023
Head Coach
South Africa Water Polo
01.2017 - 10.2018
Head of Aquatics & English Teacher
Pearson High School
01.2014 - 01.2019
Head of Water Polo
Collegiate Girls' High School
05.2012 - 12.2013
Head Coach
Bath University
01.2009 - 04.2010
Bachelor of Arts - English and Geography
Nelson Mandela University
High school diploma -
Grey High School
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