Africa has made Polo its own

This spring, the  returns to the prestigious Inanda Club in Sandton from 16 to 18 September, sponsored by Land Rover and the City of Johannesburg.

The event is a unique knockout polo championship, now in its sixth year, and offers an action-packed day for polo lovers, which will include a display of exceptional horsemanship. The highlights of the day include fashion, entertainment and an extensive list of celebrities in attendance, a showcase by Airbus Helicopters, and the Horse versus Machine Race.

This year, the New Range Rover Evoque Convertible will be up against the best thoroughbred of the tournament. The theme, Quintessential Polo – Above and Beyond, is inspired by the Range Rover Evoque as it reflects the quality, class and a lifestyle appreciated by polo enthusiasts.

In a statement, Inanda Club general manager, Paul Oosthuizen said last year’s event included participation by teams from Ghana, Uganda, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and Kenya as well as several South African teams. More than 3 000 people witnessed the closely contested and fast-paced final where the South African Land Rover team beat the Imlingo team, also from South Africa, to win the coveted Land Rover Africa Cup trophy.

He added, “Hugely successful in previous years, the Land Rover Africa Cup continues to provide a platform for exciting and dynamic polo action. We are continuing to grow and expand this tournament into one of the biggest polo tournaments on the continent.”

Marketing director, Jaguar Land Rover and sub-Sahara Africa, Lisa Mallett said, “The Annual Land Rover Africa Cup is a glamorous event, quintessentially polo and complements our vehicles perfectly. To that end, it provides us with the ideal opportunity to showcase the New Range Rover Evoque Convertible ahead of its local launch and in its natural habitat, amongst the luxurious Inanda setting.”

The City of Johannesburg’s Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development, councillor Ruby Mathang, said 2016 marks the sixth consecutive year that Joburg Tourism and the City have supported this event. “As the City, each initiative we put our weight behind needs to benefit all residents and the developmental aspect of this tournament addresses just that,” he said.

He added that over the years the Polo Development Programme has created several opportunities for talented but underprivileged players to participate in a sport that is rather expensive and to flourish as true professionals.

“Inanda Club has made considerable gains in driving this transformation to make polo more accessible to the broader public,” he added.

Equestrian Club tickets cost R1 950 per person; Polo Chic Picnic, R4 500 for boxes of 10; public tickets, R200 per person; Private Hospitality Suites, cost on request. All above are exclusive of (14 percent VAT). Public tickets can be purchased from TicketPro from 1 June.

Details: @LandRoverCup