The 2017 Kenya International Polo tournament kicks off at the Nairobi Polo Club in Jamhuri today.
As is the tradition, local teams have been allowed to source for best strikers from around the globe.
Many teams have been negotiating with stars from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Argentina, and other sides to enable them to shine in the two-week high octane tournament.
The tournament has been exciting in the past, with some world beaters around the globe that include handicap five veteran polo coach, player, and captain Buster Mackenzie Dancun Watson from South Africa thrilling spectators.
Among local players to watch in the tournament are Nairobi Polo Club (NPC) captain Raphael Nzomo and chairman Phillip Arungah, who have vowed to steer their sides into retaining the trophy at home.
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Stiff competition
Nzomo aided Samsung Curve to emerge runners up at the Nairobi Polo Club tournament at the venue two months ago.
“The two-week tournament is expected to be stiff owing to the high ranking international players that various teams have negotiated with.
“We have also prepared the ground, which is well watered and the grass is lush. The ponies too are rearing for the contests,” said Nzomo.
Mount Kenya farmer Jamie Murray, who is currently the highest ranked local player at handicap five, is expected to give the international players a run for their money as he seeks to retain the crown.
Murray said they expect pulse-racing action, which will provide players a ground to learn and sharpen their hitting.
This weekend’s tournament serves as an eight-goal thriller while next weekend’s will be a 12-goal extravaganza.
Elsewhere, Kenya lost to hosts South Africa 7-6 in the annual Prince of Wales Polo Cup staged at Rosefield Polo Club Centurion in South Africa on Sunday.
Captained by Murray, Kenya lost out in the extra time after a 6-6 tie in regular time. Kenya, whose polo season kicked off recently, staged a good show against the hosts, who are now at the tail end of the season.
“It was great exposure in South Africa. Playing in a different environment, against unfamiliar players, and riding strange horses gave us a new experience.
“The Kenya International will be fantastic because we will be playing our own ponies,” said Murray.
“This weekend will present other players the chance to play with and against foreign players and there will be several opportunities to learn and improve,” he added.
The Kenyan team in South Africa includes three-goaler Archie Voorspuy and handicap duo of Mbugua Ngugi and Tiva Gross, who was awarded Most Valuable Player of the tournament.
Jean Kamau, the Kenyan ambassador to South Africa, praised the team, saying: “Our team played well. They are talented and were committed to the course. They put forward a sterling fight. We are clearly an awesome sporting nation.”
