October 2024 marked an exciting shift for 18-year-old Hungarian water polo talent Bence Haverkampf. FTC-Telekom Waterpolo’s junior world champion, who spent the last two years developing his skills with Ferencváros, has joined Italy’s Pro Recco on loan. Since arriving in Serie A, Haverkampf has quickly adjusted, showcasing his talent across three league matches.
With his first goal in the Italian league already under his belt, Haverkampf opened up to Marton Takacs of Eurosport about his experiences so far, his admiration for teammate Aaron Younger, and the unique intensity of Italian water polo.
A Dream Realized
When Haverkampf learned of his loan to Recco, he was thrilled but initially found it hard to believe. “When I found out about this possibility, I didn’t want to believe it at first,” he shared. “It was my childhood dream to play water polo in Pro Recco, as well as in Fradi. But Recco was always the best, even when I first played against them in my debut Champions League match with Spandau.” For the young player, even competing against Pro Recco felt monumental. “It was a great experience. Right then and there, I made it my goal to one day appear in Recco. I didn’t think I could get there at the age of 18, but I was very happy about it. I didn’t have to think much—I immediately said yes.”
Quick Transition and Team Support
In a swift transfer, Haverkampf moved from FTC to Recco, where he’s now playing alongside one of his idols, Aaron Younger. Younger, a dynamic all-rounder with a keen defensive and offensive skill set, has long inspired Haverkampf. Observing his idol firsthand, Haverkampf aims to emulate Younger’s versatile playing style, particularly Younger’s ability to excel in any position in the pool. “I watched how he moves, how he does things in the water; I try to play like him,” Haverkampf said. “He shoots and defends very well, he can also dunk and can be used in any position.”
Haverkampf has also found immense support within the team, crediting head coach Sandro Sukno and his Recco teammates for helping him adjust quickly to Serie A’s demands. “The players are helpful; if I have any questions, they always help me,” he noted. “I try to rise to the task, to do my best to help the team. I train hard every day because Pro Recco is not just any club.”
Italian League: A New Challenge
While Hungarian water polo is known for its high scores and fluid gameplay, Serie A has introduced Haverkampf to a more physically demanding style. “The Italian league is a bit more physical,” he observed, recounting his matchup against Savona. “Everyone is more aggressive, and there is more acting. I would call it typical Italian water polo, where someone is rougher than usual and then acts like they didn’t do anything.”
Despite the challenge, Haverkampf has embraced the style and is eager to improve with every game, focusing on adapting to the league’s rougher play and tactical nuances. Reflecting on the lower scores compared to Hungary, he shared, “It’s not as high-scoring as the Hungarian championship. In Hungary, for example, Fradi defeated Kaposvár 21-7, whereas on Sunday, we played against a somewhat weaker Roma and won 12-2. There are not as many goals here as in Hungary.”
Life as an 18-Year-Old in Italy
Living independently in Italy presents its own set of challenges. Though he’s used to living away from family, as he did while training with Ferencváros, he now lives on his own, balancing training with online schooling at Vörösmarty High School. “The situation is different from when I left Germany for Hungary,” Haverkampf said. “During the Fradi period, I lived in a dormitory and shared a room with Csongor Lugosi, already familiar from the national team. Now, I live alone in an apartment, and though Recco provides lunch, I make the rest of my meals myself. It’s been a good learning experience.”
As he looks ahead to graduation in the summer, Haverkampf remains focused on his development, both academically and athletically.
Looking Ahead
Haverkampf’s loan at Pro Recco runs through the season, but he’s eager to return to Ferencváros as a more seasoned player. His goal? To make a significant impact on FTC’s senior team and continue advancing his water polo career at the highest level. However, should circumstances change, he’s open to extending his international experience further—a potential “Plan B” he finds equally appealing. “Fradi would be a big number for me. It would be nice to get back there and play as much as possible,” he shared. “But if I can’t play as much there because there are many players or the situation doesn’t change, I could imagine playing somewhere else—abroad, if possible.”
For now, Haverkampf’s journey with Recco is just beginning, but his ambition and commitment have already set him on an exciting path in Serie A.
The quotes and content of this article are attributed to Marton Takacs of Eurosport.