Horseback, Ball and Mallet in Hand.

Polo is a sport synonymous with luxury, and the first thing that comes to mind, when talking polo, are images of royalty and fine-pony lines. Far from touting the exclusivity of centuries past, the most scenic polo estate in Johannesburg, the Inanda Club, paints an image of a game accessible to everyone. Situated in the backdrop of Sandton is where the Cell C Inanda Africa Cup is set to take place on Sunday, 16 June 2019.

The six countries, competing in the event, have been announced and they are represented by some of the best polo playing teams on the African Continent: Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe; all strong adversaries contending for the coveted trophy. As occurred in previous years, the final day will witness 8 teams striving for victory in a 6-goal match. Skill and technique will distinguish each professional player on the field, who inevitably will perform to their ultimate best.

“Anticipation is especially high for the 2019 Cell C Inanda Africa Cup. A unique combination of power, precision and a yearning to succeed will see a team to the finish line. Guests will be treated to an exhilarating and thrilling show stopper” comments Craig James, Inanda Club Polo Manager.

Undoubtedly the most prestigious equestrian fixture on the annual and sporting polo social calendar, where business elites, VIPs, celebrities and polo aficionadas come to witness the beauty of the sport, the atmosphere, fashion and swirling champagne. With the exciting day fast approaching, it is only befitting to brush up on your etiquette of the game before attending the match.

The objective of the ‘Sport of Kings’ is for a team to score more points than its opposition, thus winning the game. Each team attempts to move the ball into the opposition’s half of the pitch with the aim of eventually hitting it through the goal to score. A team is made up of attackers and defenders, but realistically all members of a polo team are expected to be flexible, changing play at time.

Two teams of four horse-mounted players vie for goals across the 300 acres of the carefully manicured field. Each player sports a numbered jersey (1-4), which designates play positions: Player (one) an attacking player in the front who’s main role is to score goals, player (two) also has an attacking role and gives support in the mid field , player (three) is the play maker of the team and dictates the speed and direction of play of the player (four) mostly defence, he is the player in back position . To start a match or second half players will line up in numerical order facing one of the match umpires who then bowls the ball in between the two teams .

Chukkas. A match is divided into seven-minute intervals called chukkas. A match lasts approximately 1 and half hours long with a total of four chukkers.

Polo Ponies. The sport’s equine mounts stand at full-size. Before playing, ponies are trained and primed for competition by grooms. To protect their health and ensure optimum performance, ponies may only play two chukkas per match and must be switched out to rest between play. In this competitive tournament polo players are more likely to have more horses than chukkas to ensure they maintain a competitive edge on their opponents.

Each player receives a handicap rating. Player ratings range from -2 goals to 10 goals and encompass skill, conduct, horsemanship and strategic ability as well as the quality of ponies mounted. When the handicap totals of the two teams are not equal to one another, an advantage can be calculated, allowing the lesser team to start with a lead.

Scoring. Goals, either scored by player or horse, count as long as the ball crosses the line between goalposts. Direction of play changes to avoid any field-side advantage on either side.

Equipment. Mallets are used to hit the ball. Safety regulated helmets are worn as protective wear, along with jeans, boots, kneepads, gloves , shatter proof glasses and elbow guards .

Now that you are well equipped with the basics of polo, you are ready to attend and watch the classic sport of gentleman, while enjoying delectable African cuisine, sipping on crisp champagne and dressed in your rendition of #ARTANDAFRICANSPIRIT

“For everyone who wants to witness polo first hand with star players that perform exceptionally well, and enjoy a spectacular day of mingling with distinguished guests, then the Cell C Inanda Africa Cup is certainly one for you not to miss” confirms Paul Oosthuizen, the Inanda Club General Manager.

DATE DIARY DETAILS

Event: Inanda Africa Cup 2019

Dates: Sunday, 16 June 2019

Time: 10:00 – 18:00

Venue: Inanda Club, Forrest Road & 6^th Ave, Sandton

Social Media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/inandaclub/

Twitter: @InandaClub

Instagram: InandaClub

Hashtag: #CellCInandaAfricaCup

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