City to host top African polo championships

13 August 2015

 

Africa’s exclusive polo and lifestyle showpiece returns to Inanda Club in Sandton this weekend for three days of equestrian skills from the top drawer, beauty, glitz and glamour.

 

Ten world-class teams from South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Zimbabwe and defending champions Ghana will battle it out for the prestigious Land Rover Africa Cup when the tournament – the continent’s ultimate battle of the “sport of kings” – kicks off at the iconic venue on Friday August 14.

 

The City of Johannesburg’s Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development, Councillor Ruby Mathang, says 2015 marks the sixth consecutive year that Joburg Tourism and the City have supported this event.

 

“The Land Rover Africa Cup Polo tournament not only highlights the international standard facilities Joburg has to offer, it also has an important role to play in development and transformation. As part of the programme, spectators at this exclusive event can look forward to experiencing the skills of the country’s development teams in action.

 

“As the City, each initiative we put our weight behind needs to benefit all residents and the developmental aspect of this tournament addresses just that,” says MMC Mathang.

 

He says over the years the Polo Development Programme has created several opportunities for talented but underprivileged players to participate in a sport that is considerably expensive and flourish as true professionals.

 

“The Land Rover Africa Cup showcases not only the great sport of polo but also, and very importantly, development players who serve as catalysts in changing perceptions about the sport – that is, from being an elitist sport to being a sport of the people. Inanda Club has made considerable gains in driving this transformation to make polo more accessible to the broader public,” says MMC Mathang.

 

Development polo has seen the rise of a number of new polo players. These include Zompie Tsotetsi from the Free State. Tsotetsi has risen through the ranks, joining the Inanda Polo Academy last year as an assistant coach under Polo Director Craig James.

 

The showdown on Sunday – the last day of the tournament – will also feature player developmental talent of aspirant players such as Mzi Ngobese and Andrew Dewar, who both play for South Africa’s Rockwood team.

 

The Land Rover Africa Cup attracts a diverse range of intercontinental and local spectators. Tickets are available from Computicket.

 

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