Gross makes comeback to spur rivalry in local championships

 

Jadini Nzomo (left) of Amiran battles his younger brother Amani Nzomo of Sanlam during the Moi Cup tournament at Manyatta Polo Club. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

The comeback of Kenya's top polo player Casimir Gross in last weekend's Davis Cup could spur growth and competition in local championships, starting with Maria Bencivenga Memorial Championships at Nairobi Polo Club, this weekend.

Gross missed last December's Moi Cup and Christmas Polo Championships at Manyatta Polo Club in Gilgil, but was back in the Davis Cup at Nairobi Polo Club last weekend where his team, Radio Africa, emerged as Plate Finals winners.

His comeback will see no doubt give other riders some anxious moments due to his ridding skills coupled with ball-handling artistry.

His arrival will give the Nzomo siblings of Hiromi and Jadini time to strategise on their dominance in the opening rounds of local championships, a form they have carried from last season.

Handicap 0 Hiromi Nzomo was voted the Most Valuable Player at the Davis Cup.

"We hope to keep the fire burning this weekend, but off course, it will not come on a silver platter, but we'll work for it," Hiromi told Standard Sports at Nairobi Polo Club on Sunday.

Last season's Most Valuable Player Jadini (Nzomo) was the top scorer at the Davis Cup and aims at maintaining the impressive form.

Handicap -0.5 Simon Muchene believes Kenyan standards are on the upper trajectory.

"Kenyan standards are improving with every tournament due to the current aggressive players we have," Muchene said.

"We are out to prove that it can be done and it will be done in this weekend's Maria Bencivenga Championships," said Kelvin Jumba.

The tournament could prove to be more competitive as more youngsters and experienced players are expected to take part before the ponies take a three-month break in the next two weeks.

Maria Bencivenga Memorial Championships will be followed by the Soldiers’ Salute Championships on January 22-23 and Chairman’s Cup on January 29-30.

The four opening tournaments open doors for local tournaments in May ahead of international high handicap matches between May and December 2022.

This year, Kenya is expected to take part in three international championships against Zambia, Zimbabwe and England but the reciprocal match against South Africa is still in doubt, according to Kenya Polo Association chairman Gordon Millar.

"We are yet to get an official invitation from South Africa for the return match," Millar told Standard Sports.

Kenya is expected to send a senior men’s team to Zambia for the Lusaka International Championships in July after the Central Africans toured Manyatta Polo Club in Gilgil for a 14-Goal-International Championships in July 2021.