Buba hails Rover Africa Cup as ‘one of the best’
immensely supportive and prayerful as far as my footballing journey is concerned. Without them I might not be where I am so I am very thankful.
Are you looking towards the English premier league like most players at some point in your career?
The EPL is an interesting venture for every ambitious player because it’s certainly one of the best leagues in the world. Every player who is ambitious will love to compete with the very best which the EPL gives one.
If it happens it’ll be a good move but I’m not in a rush, everything has its time and if the time comes and I get a good offer from the EPL, why not.
Any regrets about the Flying Eagles not been able to reciprocate Golden Eaglets success in last year’s World Cup in New Zealand?
Of course, it was disappointing not being able to achieve world cup success with the Flying Eagles, we gave our very best but unfortunately it wasn’t enough. That team under Coach Manu Garba has immense potential to win the world cup and yes it was painful not to achieve that like we did with the Under 17 in UAE.
Nigeria’s biggest polo player and also one of the most talented to have ever graced the sport on the African continent, Bello Buba has commended the organisers of the yearly Land Rover Africa Cup.
Buba in a chat with Fever Pitch said the Johannesburg held event which comes up this month does a lot for the game of polo in Africa as it brings together some of the biggest stars on the planet thereby upping the quality of play immensely.
“I have always been a fan of that tournament and will like to commend the organisers because it is truly a huge tourney where top African stars rub shoulders with other international big names and also aim to better each other.” Buba said.
According to the organisers, this year’s event will be bigger, better and more exciting, with many crowd-pleasing events planned for the final Sunday of the tournament, as was announced at a media launch at the club last month.
More than 3 000 spectators are expected to descend on the luxurious venue on September 18 to watch what has been billed as a spectacular game of polo featuring countries such as Uganda, Ghana, Kenya, Egypt, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and host nation South Africa.
The event, which is sponsored by luxury car manufacturer Land Rover and hosted by the City of Johannesburg, will blend polo and the ultimate VIP experience with celebrities and entertainment.
Laura Vercueil of Joburg Tourism, the City of Johannesburg’s tourism promotion entity, says 2016 marks the sixth year since the City entered into a partnership with Land Rover. Vercueil said the City was excited to be welcoming spring with a big sports event like the Land Rover Cup.
“This is a great opportunity for people from all over Africa to experience what a beautiful city Johannesburg is and also a great chance for them to visit some of the iconic places in Johannesburg,” said Vercueil.
She said inasmuch as the event was focused on the game, it was also a great platform to mingle with people from outside of South Africa and give them some Jozi hospitality. Inanda Club Polo Manager Craig James said eight teams would compete in the final tournament weekend.
“The teams are entered as six-goal teams, meaning the combined handicaps of the four players representing their club will be six goals,” James said.
He said he expected this year’s tournament to be more competitive.
“We’re very excited to be introducing the development team, dubbed the ‘Above and Beyond’ team, sponsored by Land Rover,” he said.
The unique tournament, which has gone from strength to strength, also seeks to dispel the myth that it is an elite sport, according to James.JaguarLand Rover Managing Director Lisa Mallett said the company’s brand and polo complemented each other.
Mallett said the Africa Cup would be the perfect platform to unveil the new Range Rover Evoque convertible ahead of its local launch and in its natural habitat – in the midst of the luxurious Inanda setting. Zompie Tsotetsi, who will form part of the “Above and Beyond” Development Team, said growing up around horses in the Free State made it easy for him to be drawn to the sport.
“I’m very excited about the upcoming tournament and also the fact that there are more black people showing interest in the sport,” says Tsotetsi.
He added that he was grateful to Land Rover, the City of Johannesburg and Inanda Club for helping him find his true passion.