Top players earn handicap promotions

From left: The Kenyan team of Joss Craig, Will Millar, Geoff Morley and Charlie Morley pose for a group photo after their 10-6 triumph against Zimbabwe to win the Calvary Cup in Harare, on June 15, 2025. [Courtesy]

As national selectors get ready to pick a team to face Zambia in a 10-Goal-International-match at Manyatta Polo Club in Gilgil next month, several players earned their handicap promotion in the chase for top honours.

The players were honoured when the curtains came down on three-day Calvary Cup that was snatched away by Off-Beat Safaris at Manyatta Polo Club over the weekend.

Among them were the duo of international Nzomo siblings; Jadini and Hiromi, whose handicaps improve from 2 and 0.5 to 2.5 and 1, respectively.

Among all who earned these promotions, it was Hiromi’s announcement that elicited a lot of excitement among players and fans.

“Wow this is good for her (Hiromi) and she has worked for it,” shouted a fan.

Charley Morley, who earned his debut at the national team when Kenya defeated Zimbabwe 6.5-6 in Harare to lift the Calvary Cup in the Southern African country in May, also had his handicap shoot from -0.5 to 0.

Also another international who benefitted was Jamie Excell whose handicap moved from 1 to 1.5.

As others earned their promotions, several experienced players also had their handicaps dropped and Kenya Polo Association chairman Pete Griffiths said was done after a careful analysis by the federation. He said all handicap 2 players retained the status of being internationals.

Alice Owambo, who trained in South Africa for several weeks before the local season hits-off in May, also had her handicap move from -2 to -1.5.

Nakuru-based Isaac Maina, whose consistency in play has seen him take part in different tournaments across the country for the past two years, also saw his handicap improve from -0.5 to 0.

A total of 20 players had their handicaps improved after most of them featured in the Calvary Cup over the weekend.