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Orlando David Coello Bejerano: “Water polo is my whole life”

He started as a defender, eventually found his place between the posts and in 2024 became a Cuban national school champion while also being named Best Goalkeeper of the tournament. Orlando David Coello Bejerano speaks to YARE about representing Cuba, the challenges facing a young athlete in his country and his biggest dream: to play for and represent a club.

Orlando David Coello Bejerano did not begin his water polo journey as a goalkeeper.

He started in defence.

It took time before he realised that another position felt more natural.

The goal.

Frank and the beginning

Orlando's introduction to water polo came through a coach he remembers simply as Frank.

He was the person who recognised Orlando's potential and helped him enter the EIDE sports school system.

“I discovered water polo thanks to a person who was my coach, Frank. He believed I had the qualities to be in this sport and helped me enter the EIDE.”

At that stage, goalkeeper was not yet part of the story.

“I wasn't a goalkeeper. I was a defender. Over time, I realised that being in goal was really my position.”

That discovery changed his path.

Cuban champion and Best Goalkeeper

The year 2024 became an important milestone.

At the 60th edition of the Juegos Escolares Nacionales, Orlando became a national champion with Havana.

He also received a major individual recognition.

He was named Best Goalkeeper of the tournament.

Later, after moving into the juvenile category, he continued competing at national level and finished as national runner up.

For someone who had not originally been a goalkeeper, the progression carries particular meaning.

“Being part of the national team is an honour and a privilege”

His development eventually took him into the Cuban national team.

For Orlando, that carries a strong sense of pride.

“For me, being part of the national team is an honour and a privilege. I feel very proud to be here and to be part of this team.”

But representing his country does not mean the daily environment is easy.

The need for more competition

Orlando describes limited competitive opportunities as one of the biggest challenges.

For a young goalkeeper, that matters.

Training can develop technique, conditioning and confidence.

Matches develop decision making, reactions, composure and experience.

“One of the biggest difficulties we have is the lack of matches and competitions. We need more opportunities to compete so that we can develop and continue becoming better.”

There are also challenges involving basic equipment.

Orlando mentions swimwear, balls, goal nets and new field buoys among the resources that can be difficult to access.

He does not present them as excuses.

They are simply part of the environment in which he is trying to improve.

“Water polo is my whole life”

At one point, the conversation moves beyond results and challenges.

It becomes personal.

Asked what keeps him going every day, Orlando's answer is immediate.

“I keep going every day because water polo is my life. For me, it is everything. My whole life.”

There is not much more that needs to be added.

The biggest dream

Orlando has already represented his country.

He has already become a national champion.

He has already been recognised as the best goalkeeper at a national tournament.

But when asked about his biggest ambition, his answer is different.

“My biggest dream as a goalkeeper is to belong to a club and be able to represent it.”

An opportunity to enter an environment where he can train, compete and continue developing consistently.

That is the next step he is looking for.

If a coach is watching

At the end, we asked Orlando to imagine that a coach was watching his story.

What would he want that coach to hear?

His answer was not about titles.

Or awards.

It was about mentality.

“Water polo is about dedication and effort. You have to give everything to achieve your goals.”

From defender to goalkeeper.

From the EIDE to the national team.

From a national title to recognition as Best Goalkeeper.

Orlando David Coello Bejerano's journey is still at an early stage.

His objective is clear.

Keep playing.

Keep developing.

And find the opportunity to show what he can do in the water.