Who we are

Founded with a passion for swimming excellence, Aqua Dolphin Swimming Club has established itself as a premier destination for competitive swimming in Cape Town. Our journey began with a simple belief: that with the right guidance, dedication, and environment, every swimmer can achieve their personal best.

Swimmer doing butterfly stroke in a pool

Our Philosophy

At Aqua Dolphin, we understand that competitive swimming is about more than just speed – it’s about discipline, technique, consistency and a drive to always perform at your personal best. Our training methodology focuses on:

TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE

We emphasize proper stroke mechanics as the foundation for speed

PROGRESSIVE DEVELOPMENT

Carefully structured training plans that build skills systematically

A HOLISTIC APPROACH

Balancing physical training with mental preparation and team building

LONG-TERM ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT

Focusing on sustainable progress rather than short-term gains

Our mission.

To provide swimmers with world-class coaching in a supportive community environment, empowering each athlete to reach their full potential both in and out of the pool.

Our vision.

To be recognized as one of South Africa’s leading swimming clubs, known for developing well-rounded athletes who excel in competitive swimming while embodying sportsmanship, dedication, and teamwork.

Meet the Team

  • Silhouette of a person inside a blue circle icon, commonly used as a profile placeholder.

    Mina Manoussakis

    FOUNDER | CLUB OWNER

    Born in the volcanic South of Italy, Mina inherited tenacity, passion and a strong work ethic from her homeland. These qualities shaped her into the determined aquatics advocate she is today.

    Attentive to innovations in sport, Mina believes swimming is essential for children's development and a fundamental human right. Her undeniable passion for swimming and open water competition drives her commitment to excellence.

    Guided by her motto – "Never give up" – Mina has built a community where perseverance is celebrated and challenges become opportunities.

  • Smiling man in a blue jacket indoors

    Dean Price

    EXTERNAL ADVISOR

    With an illustrious career that includes coaching Olympic gold medalists and Paralympic champions, Dean brings unparalleled expertise to our pool. From his own days as a record-breaking swimmer to becoming one of South Africa's most respected coaches, his journey inspires us all.

    As an External Adviser, Dean will be actively mentoring and overseeing our coaching team – Coach Phila and Senior Instructor Cole.

    Dean will be brings a revolutionary coaching methodology already proven successful by top international coaches to the Aqua Dolphin family.

  • Person smiling outdoors wearing sunglasses, a gray t-shirt, and a cap, with a brick wall and greenery in the background.

    Phila Zita

    SWIMMING INSTRUCTOR

    Learn to Swim Certificate
    Swimming South Africa Level 1
    ASCA Level 1 & 2
    Currently completing:
    ASCA level 3 & 4

    Phila is a dedicated swimming coach who joined the club in 2019 after moving to Cape Town in 2014. He holds impressive credentials.

    He is driven by the belief that swimming is an essential life skill that all children should acquire. Phila is equally passionate about introducing and promoting competitive swimming as a sport to people of all ages, helping them discover both the practical benefits and competitive excitement of swimming.

  • Man in a white polo shirt standing with arms crossed in a tented pool area.

    Cole Siljeur

    SWIMMING INSTRUCTOR

    Learn to Swim Certificate
    ASCA Level 1 & 2
    Currently completing:
    ASCA level 3 & 4
    Swimming South Africa Level 1

    Cole is a dedicated swimming coach with years of experience and a lifelong passion for the sport. He creates a positive, encouraging environment where young swimmers can develop their potential through personalized coaching that emphasizes proper technique, hard work, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

    His coaching philosophy focuses on building a solid foundation, guiding swimmers from all levels.

Contact us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!