African Patrons Trophy Polo’2017: Abuja Almat set to defend continental title
Abuja Almat Group polo kings are in buoyant mood ahead of 2017 African Patrons Polo Championship, perfecting strategies to defend the General Hassan Katsina Cup as the continental polo champions takes centre stage in Kaduna this week.
Almat patron, Maurice Ekpenyong said his squad will gallop off their its title defence in the opening game of the prestigious polo extravaganza billed to excite from October 9, and climax October 15, 2017 at the foremost Fifth Chukker Polo & Country Resort in Kaduna.
Ekpenyong who is in upbeat mood after his warriors shone brightly at the recently concluded Kano international polo tournament, winning the coveted Dantata Cup on first attempt, stated that his players are in the right frame physically and mentally to retain their much cherished African Patrons title.
Fifth Chukker Polo Captain, Babangida Hassan who confirmed that arrangement has been concluded to make this tournament one of the most exciting in the series, says two major prizes, African Patrons Trophy and General Hassan Cup, would be competed for during the event that annually attracts enthusiasts in their droves from around the continent and beyond.
According to Hassan, Charity Shield title holders, Lagos Leighton Kings and former champions, Keffi Ponys would jostle for the prestigious Africa Patrons Trophy, Almat and a handful of equally matched medium-goal teams will square in a round robin contests that would produce the 2017 General Hassan Cup winner.
“I want to particularly commend the enthusiasm of the patrons, sponsors and players in maintaining the momentum and tradition of the tournament since its debut and promised that Fifth Chukker would yet again deliver the best polo at Nigeria’s premier polo centre,” Babangida declared.
Tagged the new face of African polo cum tourism, the premier event which debuted as African Masters in 2003, promises to live up to its international billing as the continent’s most prestigious polo tournament revered for its cutting edge competition.
African Patrons Cup remains a most significant addition to Africa’s international polo calendar. Being the first exclusively corporate polo championship in the continent where CEOs led the charge for their respective company’s teams, making it a truly corporate challenge.
With defending champions, former winners and ambitious debutants competing with world class professionals from Argentina, England and South Africa, the championship is guaranteed to be real international treat both in competition and in pomp.