Will South Africa triumph where Zambia failed?

Kenya's Casmir Gross reacts in a past match against Zambia in the International Polo tournament, in Gilgil. [Kipsang Joseph]

As South Africans prepare to face Kenya in the three-day Polo International championships, they know they’ll be treading on dangerous grounds.

After Zambia fell at the hands of their hosts when they met at Manyatta Polo Club, Gilgil in July, the South Africans must have every reason to worry.

The three-day event brings together some of the best players from Kenya and South Africa in a competition that has been sponsored by Tusker Malt and Tanqueray.

And as the South Africans try their luck against the battle hardened Kenya internationals tomorrow at Nairobi Polo Club, focus will be on how they will succeed where Zambia failed.

This is a team that has in the past defeated Zimbabwe in both male and female international championships.

Kenya has an array of experienced players who are highly handicapped, including Jammie Murray, Craig Miller, Casimir Gross, Jules Camm and Archie Voorspuy.

Other upcoming stars like Kimoi Moi, Joss Craig, William Millar, Jadini Nzomo, Amani Nzomo and Ben Stonewigg are also in the mix.

The South African side is composed of equally experienced and highly handicapped players led by captain and handicap four Chris Lund, William Crowe (3), Luke Barnard (1) and Adrian Lavarinhas (1). Lund plays at Plettenberg Polo Club in South Africa.