Polo action returns at Nairobi Polo Club

SBM Bank’s Kimoi Moi (Left) and HH Padmanabh Singh of Tusker Malt during OMT Bowl at the Nairobi Polo Club on Sundau, July 23, 2023. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

It is all systems go ahead of this weekend's Zambia Men’s 9 Goal Polo Tournament at the Nairobi Polo Club.

The tournament returns in keeping with the Nairobi Polo Club’s annual schedule, which features international tournaments in September every year. The tournament will also mark the return of high-stakes polo action to Nairobi after a month-long hiatus.

The tournament promises to shine a spotlight on some of the most exceptional polo talent in the region. This will be a 9-goal tournament, which means that the total handicap of each team (the sum of the handicaps of its individual players) cannot exceed 9 goals.

This high handicap limit ensures a balanced tournament in terms of skill and experience, making the matches competitive and exciting.

The tournament will see the Zambian men's team players mix with some of Kenya's top polo players in the preliminary rounds, such as the 5-goal rated Casimir Gross and the team Kenya captain Vishal Somaia, who plays off a 2-goal handicap.

Sunday will see Kenya face off Zambia in the main event.

The arrival of the Zambia men’s team comes off the back of their ladies’ team, which provided a riveting high-scoring clash between an experienced Zambian team, led by Sally Jellis and a young, formidable Kenyan team. The Kenyan team ultimately emerged victorious with an impressive 11-8 score line. This gripping battle for supremacy led to the Kenyan team securing the prestigious Swinburn Trophy, a symbol of their exceptional skill and teamwork.

The Nairobi Polo Club received a substantial financial boost at the start of the 2023/24 season with SBM Bank Kenya's sponsorship commitment of Sh3 million. 

Speaking ahead of the tournament, SBM Bank Kenya Deputy CEO Jotham Mutoka said: "We are thrilled to be part of the 2023/24 polo calendar tournament in partnership with the Nairobi Polo Club. This event promises to be a spectacular showcase of exceptional polo talent in the region, and we eagerly look forward to it.

“Our sponsorship commitment of Sh3 million underscores our bank's deep dedication to supporting sports and cultural events that not only entertain but also foster community unity and champion excellence.

“We believe in the power of sports to bring people together, and this partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to the growth and development of the local sports scene. We can't wait to witness the thrilling matches ahead and the positive impact they will have on our community."