Youngster Nzomo among feted players

Kenya's Jadini Nzomo with his trophy during the Nairobi International Zambia Men 9 Goal tournament at the Nairobi Polo Club. Sept 17, 2023. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kenya Polo Association has awarded seven riders with their handicap promotions, 10 months after a similar exercise, at Nairobi Polo Club.

Of those promoted, sensational rider Jadini Nzomo is the youngest, at 21 years.

Nzomo was instrumental in Kenya's triumph against Zambia in a 8-Goal-Kenya International match at Nairobi Polo Club in July.

His handicap moves upwards from 1.5 to 2 hence advancing his chances of getting selected into the senior national sides in upcoming international assignments.

"I have worked quite hard for it and I'm ready to settle down and prove that I rightfully earned the handicap promotion," Jadini told Standard Sports.

Others feted are Jose Craig from 2.5 to 3, Michele Morgan from -1.5 to -1, Joe Kamau from -1.5 to -1 and Ben Yanda from -1 to -0.5.

Kenya Polo Association chairman Pete Griffiths said the development gives the players a chance to improve on their style and speed of play, first by acquiring fancied and experienced horses besides other factors that go with the process.

"The promotion gives these players a chance to improve on their style and speed of play to catch up with the rest of experienced players. This can only be achieved by acquisition of fancied and experienced horses besides other factors," he said.

Jadini said he has some of the most experienced horses and therefore, he's not planning on acquiring new ones.

"My stable has some of the experienced horses good for now and in the future," he added.

All the promotions were earned during the Eagle Challenge Cup, which ended at Manyatta Polo Club in Gilgil over the weekend.

Mascor Africa defeated Crown Paints 6-5.5 to lift the title. The Subsidiary Cup was won by Davis and Shirtliff team.