POLO My biggest achievement in sport – Dantata
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Sanusi Dantata popularly known as ‘Abba’ in the polo world was one of the stars of the recent Kano tournament, his family have been involved with the sport for ages. In a chat with Fever Pitch, the player talked about winning the prestigious Majekudunmi Cup in 2012 and his ambition of one day establishing a polo empire.
May we get to know you and your polo team?
My name is Sanusi Dantata, though i’m popularly known as Abba Dantata in the polo world. I play with different teams mostly from Kano. I’ve played majorly for Dantek, but I’ve played with Valda, Optimum riders, Titan, Susplan, Lintex, to mention but a few.
What motivated you to go into polo?
I grew up in a polo family. My father is a polo player, currently the Chairman of Kano polo club. I have quite a number of uncles that have played and that are still playing. So i generated interest in the game since when i was little.
What are your biggest achievements as a polo player?
Being a polo player for so many years, I’ve had so many achievements but what I consider to be my major achievement so far is winning the prestigious Majekudunmi Cup in 2012 and also being the youngest player to ever win it.
What’s your assessment of the recent Kano polo tournament?
The recent Kano polo Tournament was a success. We had lots of teams from different part of Nigeria that competed for the four main trophies. I think we had about 50 teams that competed. Both the host and visiting players had fun for the two weeks.
What’s your opinion regarding polo in Nigeria and what areas should improvements be made?
Polo in Nigeria is actually growing. People are now aware of the game unlike before and are also picking interest. In my opinion, to improve polo in Nigeria, we need to create more awareness, getting more people into the game, getting more companies to sponsor and the government also helping more.
Who’s your role model in the sport and why?
My role model in polo is Adolfo Cambiaso. The Argentine has been the best player in the game for so many years. His determination and organisation is superb and that’s what makes him on top all the time.
What’s your ultimate ambition as a polo player?
Well my ambition as a polo player is to create my own polo organisation which I’ll use to help others in the game. Also having a polo farm of mine with outstanding facilities is something i wish for.
The International Polo federation is fighting for the sport to make a return to the Olympics games and also a proper World Cup in the nearest future, what do you think of that?
Polo back in the Olympics and World cup will be a big plus. It will grow the polo family and who knows, I might represent Nigeria one day.
What are your other hobbies?
My other hobbies are watching football and connecting with other people.
Among Nigerian polo teams which do you respect the most and why?
For me, Fifth Chukker is the best polo team in the country at this time. They have the best organisation when it comes to polo. They prepare ahead of time. Beating Fifth Chukker in a game is a big win, because it hardly happens. Luckily the only time i played against them i won.
How do you think polo can attract millions of spectators like football?
For polo to attract so many spectators, I think is to create more awareness through different media. Probably more broadcasts of the game will aid a lot.