Mug’s Mug set for Timau

By Feverpitch Reporter

Mug’s Mug, widely considered the most prestigious tournament in the local polo calendar, has been moved from Nairobi to Timau’s North Kenya Club.

Nairobi Polo Club chairman, Raphael Nzomo, said the move to rotate the Mug’s Mug tournament to other clubs again as was the case five years ago, is to help promote polo in areas where the sport is not as popular as Nairobi. Mug’s Mug will be held between August 19 and 22.

Consequently, Nairobi Polo Club got a shot in the arm with the decision to bring the Kenya International Open tournament to the club.

Players at the last Mug’s Mug at the Nairobi Polo Club. [PHOTOS: AGENCIES,FILE/STANDARD]

It will be held between September 17 and 19. The event has been staged at the Manyatta Club in Gilgil for the past eight years.

"This is exciting news that has made us feel very good," said Nzomo. Nzomo said among players expected at the Kenya Open are the Du Plessis brothers, Ignatius or ‘Nachi’ as he is popularly known, and Jean, and a polo prodigy, Sbu Duma.

Coaching academy

Duma, 23, was the first development player to come through the SAPA coaching academy to play for South Africa in a recent match against Australia, in which South Africa won 12-10.

Nzomo said participants for the Kenya are expected from top polo-playing nations like Argentina, South Africa, Australia and United Kingdom.

On the rotation of the Mug’s Mug, Nzomo said it would help develop the sport in other parts of the country.

The tournament is one of its kind where upcoming players are allowed to field along experienced players to get exposed. Teams must have a maximum combined handicap of three goals.

Apart from Nairobi Polo Club, Manyatta and Timau, others are Naivasha Custard Chukkas and Kitengela Polo Club.

The season will start on May 28-30 at Manyatta, followed by another tournament at the club on June 4-6. Timau will host a tournament on June 25-27 and July 2-4. Nairobi will then host a tournament on July 23-25 and the Duke of Connaught on July 30-August 1.

Mug’s Mug will follow in Timau and a second tournament there on August 27-29. This will be followed by Kenya Open in Nairobi (September 17-19 six goal and September 24-26 12 goal).

Manyatta will again host a six-eight goal tournament on October 15-17 and another event on October 22-24. The local fixtures end on December 10-12 and December 17-19 in Manyatta, but after playing in Tanzania’s Dolly Club on November 12-14 and November 19-21.