The much-anticipated Aon Inanda Polo International returns on 9 May 2020 and kicks-off, what promises to be, an exhilarating 2020 polo season at the prestigious Inanda Club, in Sandton, which has, through the years, established itself as the finest polo venue in the country.
“We are delighted to continue our journey as headline sponsor of the 2020 Aon Inanda International Polo invitational between South Africa and Argentina,” says Leo Morwe, Chief Human Resources Officer of Aon South Africa. “While Polo is a game of immense strategy and skill, the developmental cup that is tied to this event takes polo to the next level by introducing young, up and coming talent to the world of international sport, providing a crucial building block in their professional careers. As an organisation, we are committed to empowering economic and human possibilities for our clients, colleagues and communities around the globe,” says Morwe.
The powerhouse teams from South Africa and Argentina will, for a second year, compete in a 26-goal match, played at the highest level and more competitive than ever; giving some of the world’s best players an opportunity to take to the polo field their skills and techniques, for what has now become a household name and fixture in the international high-goal environment.
High-goal polo is an aspirational endeavour few players will ever experience and with a history of a 10 goal handicap being the preferred level of competition worldwide, the “Sport of Kings” has significance to spatio-temporal demands – were the quality and standards in the sport require a level of play that possesses exorbitant traits. The Argentine, uncontested masters of being the highest ranked polo players in the world, are no strangers to such qualities.
Polo may not have originated in Argentina, but it is here that the game has reached its pinnacle. Known as the mecca of polo, it has hosted a number of the highest all-star level tournaments including the world’s most distinguished 40-goal tournament, a history. Dubbed as the world’s most important polo tournament, the huge success of the match is the level of play that officially carries a team of 10 with a handicap ranging between 28 to 40 goals per competition; together with the horse, technique, courage and sporting ability. Each player, at any given time brings 8-10 horses to the field per game, so there are anywhere from 70-84 horses present at each high-goal match.
Almost all active 10 goal players who accomplish the handicap and have reached the honour are mostly exclusive to Argentina only. Ranked in the Top 10 World’s Best Horse Polo Players in 2020, the list includes Argentine born Adolfo Cambiasso, whose name also hangs among the best horse polo players of all time and currently holds the World Number 1 spot in Polo ranking. Facundo Sola whose polo career debuted in the Argentine Open. Juan Zubiaurre who has made a name for himself through his abilities in defensive playing, achieving the Polo Magazine’s Polo Excellence Award for the best player of the year. And Facundo Pieres, ranking 8th, who has won multiple polo tournaments around the world.
The equestrian sport has been their National obsession for over a century, and they certainly continue to dominate the world polo circuit.
As with any sport, competition at the highest level allows the game to evolve from one level to the next. Polo itself has developed within South Africa, allowing professional polo players to show their abilities, in turn being ranked amongst the best with international status. Tom De Bruin, South African Team Captain for the 2019 Aon Inanda Polo International, is amongst the bunch. Achieving a 7 goal handicap at the age of 24, has represented South Africa in over 40 test matches, also playing professionally around the world including the UK, Argentina, America, Australia, Barbados, New Zealand, India, Dubai, Singapore and China. Other South African ranked polo players include Jean du Plessis (7 goal handicap) and Chris Mackenzie (7 goal handicap).
Craig James, Inanda Club Polo Manager comments, “Polo players display brilliant individual polo, but with team play, the game only becomes bigger, stronger and faster combined with the benefits of discipline. As with every year, South Africa and Argentina will be presented for play in the Aon Inanda Polo International and the teams will battle in victory of the 2020 coveted trophy. A game we all would like to be a part of.”
The event will offer polo enthusiasts a display of superb technical polo prowess and an entertainment filled day to include an Argentine musical experience fused with the historical and traditional Argentine Tango.
The Inanda Club website is a go-to-source for objective and timely information on the Aon Inanda Polo International SA vs Argentina, www.inandaclub.co.za, together with their social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) with the official hashtag #AonInandaPoloInternational
Book Your Tickets NOW!
General Access:
Individual Cost | R250.00 Per Ticket
Hospitality Packages:
Premium VIP Polo Suite
Individual Package Cost | R1 800.00
Lux Polo Picnic Sites
Lux Polo Picnic package per 10 guests | R12 450.00
Costs are inclusive of 15% VAT
Tickets are available at Ticket Pros www.ticketpros.co.za