Mwirigi not taking chances, ready for the 2023 Polo season

Mike Mwirigi on a defensive play against an opponent during the Northern Kenya Polo Championships at Timau Sports Club on May 29, 2022. [File, Standard]

As the new season beckons, it's time for upcoming players to show their mettle in the hunt for top honours in the 2023 Kenya Polo Association season.

And with the first tournament set for Northern Kenya Polo Club in Timau on May 26-28, handicap -0.5 Mike Mwirigi is not taking chances with his preparations.

"We have taken our ponies through a number of exercises and matches that's aimed at preparing us for the new season," Mwirigi told Standard Sports.

Mwirigi said he's ready to battle the experienced players in equal measure he has done it in the past and give a good account of himself in all the tournaments this season with an aim to possibly improve on his handicap.

"We have been working quite for a month both off and on the pitch to bring back our ponies to full fitness despite the persistent rains. We also trained in the gym and on the wooden horse to also achieve both full fitness and improve my swings respectively," said Mwirigi.

Mwirigi, who plays at Timau Sports Club, is among the upcoming riders who had a good run last season with the likes of Nairobi Polo Club trio; Bobby Kamani, Kelvin Jumba and Eve Kamau.

He said he looks to a good season and hoped to win more trophies besides the fun that goes with the sport.

Most of their training sessions have, however, been hampered by the heavy rains but he said he is ready to catch up with the rest of senior players.