Polo goes above and beyond

One of the many highlights at the 2016 Land Rover Africa Cup polo tournament at Inanda Club will be the debut of Team Above and Beyond.

The team consists of two polo veterans and two up-and-coming development players who will participate in a weekend of thrilling horsemanship from 17 to 18 September.

In the team, and playing in their first international tournament, are development players Thokosane Zondo and Lucky Nsingo. Both were from a selection of six players who were put through their paces at the Inanda Development Cup earlier this year.

After demonstrating their talent on the field and passion for the sport, Zondo and Nsingo were voted as the most valuable players of the tournament. To further aid their development, Land Rover sponsored both of them with a full complement of new polo gear for the upcoming tournament.

Joining Zondo and Nsingo are seasoned polo pros, Terence Spilsbury and Richard Pohl. Both have a love for the sport and horses, and boast extensive playing experience. Additionally, Pohl will contribute his valuable experience from successes he has had at local tournaments and in representing South Africa at international level.

“These aspiring polo aces have made it into Team Above and Beyond on their own merit through hard work and dedication,” said Craig James, polo manager at the Inanda Club.

“With Terence and Richard, Thokozane and Lucky will have superb teammates and mentors who will hopefully take them to success at the Land Rover Africa Cup.”

The Inanda Development Cup was formed to give opportunities for those who are passionate about the sport, but unable to afford playing on a regular basis. Those who participate are often involved in the polo community as polo grooms, caring for the horses, as well as instructing beginner players.

Becoming professional players is not just a progression of their passion, but also opens up doors for them to make a living by playing the sport and becoming heroes in the community. “We need to work hard to make sports more accessible, by backing talented players and giving them opportunities to show their mettle,” said Richard Gouverneur, managing director of Jaguar Land Rover South Africa and sub-Sahara Africa.

“With our involvement in the Inanda Development Cup and sponsorship of the Land Rover Africa Cup, we’re doing just that. And we hope that the Team Above and Beyond will inspire young polo players across the country.”

Details: 17 to 18 September 2016

Time: 10am to 6pm

Venue: The Inanda Club, Forrest Road, Inanda, Sandton

Visit their Facebook page, ticket sales

Land Rover VIP Lounge, R1 950 per person

The Polo Room, R22 500 tables of 10

Picnic boxes, R4 500 boxes of 10

Public Tickets, R200 per person

Corporate Hospitality Suites, cost on request.