This archive report was first published on 21 July 2019.
On July 19, 2019, the stage was set for a thrilling encounter at the Manyatta Polo Club in Gilgil, as the Zambian national polo team prepared to face off against their Kenyan hosts in an international friendly match.
The Zambians had been given a chance to ride the Kenyan horses in the Bell Inn/Swinbourne Cups Championships, and they were determined to make the most of it.
Handicap 4 Zambian all-rounder Megan Viljeon, who played a crucial role in her team's victory in the ladies championships, expressed her team's confidence in taking on the hosts.
"Kenyan horses are marvellous compared to the Lusaka horses. We have gelled well and are now confident of overcoming the hosts while using their horses," Viljeon told Standard Sports.
Cherokee defeated Engel 7-6 to win the ladies' final, while 18-year-old handicap 3 Zambian attacker Nunu Henderson praised the skills of two Kenyan players, Izzy Parsons and Aisha Gross.
The Kenya Polo Association was vetting names of four out of 15 players who would make up the Kenya Ladies side to take on Zambia in the Kenya International Polo Championships.
Handicap 3 Australia-trained Hiromi Nzomo, who hopes to be picked into the team, expressed her determination to be part of the national team.
"Although there are several high handicap players ahead of me in the selection trials, I'll be glad to be picked into the team for such an important match," Nzomo told Standard Sports.
