Polo: Kenya's Jadini Nzomo inspires Brazil players

Kenya Tusker Malt's Jadini Nzomo (left) and Brazilian Leandro Rodrigues during 10-Goal International tournament at the Nairobi Polo Club on Sunday, September 25, 2022. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

If polo was football, then the handicap 1 20-year-old Kenya's Jadini Nzomo would have crossed to the paid ranks.

Unfortunately, Kenya polo is still amateur and at no time soon will it turn professional according to Jammie Hayward, retired military personnel from the British Army and an avid polo player who believes it'll only thrive when Kenya players play as amateurs.

"Kenyan polo is better at amateur level for its growth since they still have few players. Other aspects of the game limits its prosperity to the paid ranks," Hayward earlier told Standard Sports.

But for Jadini who was a thorn in the flesh of the Brazilians, the sky is the limit as the curtains came down on Kenya International 10-Goal Championships at Nairobi Polo Club over the weekend.

"He (Jadini) is a very intelligent player and his ball possession is fantastic. He has rare qualities coupled with intelligent play and a wonderful way of ball distribution. He stands a good chance to be a future strong player," said Brazilian captain Marcus Schalldach.

Jadini was in the Kenya Tusker Malt team led by Raphael Nzomo, Casimir Gross and Will Millar.

The Brazilians praised Jadini as an intelligent future star.

In their matches, Kenya Tusker Malt lost their opening match against Kenya Chui 6-5 and thereafter defeated Kenya Duma 5-4 but lost 5-3 to the eventual winners Brazil.

The Brazilian team was made of captain Marcus Schalldach, handicap 6 Leandro Rodrigues, handicap Sergio Figueiredo and handicap 0 Tiago Falcao.

Brazil won all their matches against three Kenyan teams to emerge the overall winners of three-day tournament with maximum six points from three matches at Nairobi Polo Club over the weekend.