SBM Bank Deputy CEO & CCO, Jotham Mutoka (left), presents the Winner of the Youngest Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Welby Cup to Archie Camm (right) on July 16th, 2023. Photo – courtesy
The Nairobi Polo Club will this weekend, on 15th– 16th of September, host the Zambia Men’s 9 Goal Polo Tournament. The tournament returns in keeping with the Nairobi Polo Club’s annual schedule, which features international tournaments in September every year. The tournament will also mark the return of high-stakes polo action to Nairobi after a month-long hiatus.
The tournament promises to shine a spotlight on some of the most exceptional polo talent in the region. It will be a 9-goal tournament, which means that the total handicap of each team (the sum of the handicaps of its individual players) cannot exceed 9 goals. The high handicap limit ensures a balanced tournament in terms of skill and experience, making the matches competitive and exciting. The tournament will see the Zambian Men’s Team players mix with some of Kenya’s top polo players in the preliminary rounds, such as the 5-goal rated Casimir Gross and the team Kenya captain, Vishal Somaia, who plays off a 2-goal handicap. On Sunday, during the main event, Kenya will face off Zambia.
Kenya-polo-team-award. Photo- courtesy
Speaking ahead of the tournament, SBM Bank Kenya Deputy CEO, Jotham Mutoka said they were thrilled to be part of the 2023/24 polo calendar tournament in partnership with the Nairobi Polo Club.
“This event promises to be a spectacular showcase of exceptional polo talent in the region, and we eagerly look forward to it. Our sponsorship commitment of KES 3 million underscores our bank’s deep dedication to supporting sports and cultural events that not only entertain but also foster community unity and champion excellence.” Said Mutoka.
The arrival of the Zambia Men’s Team comes off the back of their Ladies’ team, which provided a riveting high-scoring clash between an experienced Zambian team, led by Sally Jellis and a young, formidable Kenyan team. The Kenyan team ultimately emerged victorious with an impressive 11-8 score line. This gripping battle for supremacy led to the Kenyan team securing the prestigious Swinburn Trophy, a symbol of their exceptional skill and teamwork.
