Enjoy the good polo life

Divots, chukkas, champagne and ponies – it’s time for the second Inanda Africa Cup Tournament, where teams from up north take on the locals.
ONCE deemed the domain of the elite, polo has grown to encompass previously disadvantaged sectors of society, and the Inanda Club in Sandton plans to celebrate this with its second annual Inanda Africa Cup tournament, running from 29 to 31 July.

The 2010 Inanda Africa Cup was won by the Super Guavas TeamThe 2010 Inanda Africa Cup was won by the Super Guavas TeamTeams from all over the continent will compete against each other in a fast-paced, action-packed contest. Participants from as far afield as Ghana and Nigeria will be pitted against a variety of local teams, as well as a development side.

“The Inanda Club, with its strong equestrian heritage, is firmly behind the development of polo and its growth throughout Africa through this event, the only one of its kind, and our growing youth and novice polo school,” says the club’s general manager, Paul Oosthuizen.

“Already there are a number of incredibly talented development players, including Sbu Duma, Meshake Tshidiso and Tisetso Makenethe to name a few, who are making headlines and becoming heroes in the polo world.

“The strong focus on developing players over the past five years has changed the face of polo from that of an elitist sport to that of a sport for the people.”

Finesse on the field will not be the only attraction either on 31 July, the day the tournament is open to the public. Joburg’s fashionistas and social butterflies will be out in full force too, guaranteeing a glittering affair with good food and drink. Think oysters, sushi and champagne and more sophisticated tastes.

“We hope that spectators will join us on the day, with their glass of Veuve Cliquot in hand, in a celebratory toast of this glamorous occasion,” he says.

Entertainment will also be plentiful. There will be a groom’s race and a test of “horse power” where a thoroughbred will race against a high-performance vehicle, as well as entertainment aimed at children.

In addition, there will be a VIP gala dinner on 30 July to raise funds for the club’s beneficiaries, the Alexandra Aids Orphans and the Highveld Horse Care Unit.

While polo may have long evinced an image of English aristocracy half-heartedly knocking a ball around before retiring for a cup of tea, it is in fact very popular all around the globe.

Polo Development players will be making their mark in this year's tournamentIt has been played in South Africa for over 100 years, but because of the requirements and costs of the highly trained horses, it has traditionally been associated with the more affluent members of society. The South African Polo Association has extended its reach, however, by running coaching clinics and offering bursaries to promising young development players.

Nigeria celebrated its century of polo-playing in 2010, and the number of players and teams in that country continues to rise.

Ghana’s polo players take their tips from the English, and most Ghanaian players participate in the British polo season and then return home to take part in their own, which runs from September to March.

All are invited to be part of the excitement at this weekend’s tournament and in celebration of Joburg’s status as the city of gold, the theme of the day is Dusted with Gold.

Tickets are R100 per car or R25 for pedestrians and can be bought at the gate on the day. Gates open at 9am, and guests are allowed to take picnic baskets. Beverages are strictly prohibited, though.

The tournament is sponsored by the Johannesburg Tourism Company, Veuve Cliquot, Peroni and South African Tourism, among others.

For more information, visit the Inanda Club website.