2017 Kaduna International Polo Tournament
Abuja Rubicon clinch Argentine Ambassador’s Cup, target Georgian, Sardauna Cup sweep
The Kano’2017 International Polo Tournament that has been the talk of the town throughout the country and beyond has produced its first set of winners, as the prestigious event brace for its grand finale.
The first major cup of the prestigious event that was decided before a full house at the legendary Murtala Square polo ground was the glittering Argentine Ambassador’s Cup, which saw the Aviation Minister, Senator Hadi Sirika and his Rubicon Aeronautic team steam rolling the low flying Kaduna Kakuri 8-4 in a fierce six chukkas face off, to win the high stake polo prize, their second in five years.
Winning the Argentine Ambassador’s title which has traditionally been sponsored by Nigeria’s polo ambassador and national team coach, Dawule Baba, put the Abuja based highgoal team in pole position to earning a treble this year with the event’s biggest prize, the Georgian Cup and the Sardauna Cup are just a six chukka away from grabs.
Team Rubicon (Senator Hadi Sirika, Idris Badamasi, Malik Badamasi and their high assassin from Argentina, Manuel Crespo) fortified with an intimidating horse power, left no one in doubt about their mission in Kaduna, scoring two quick goals in the opening chukker before adding a third in the second, to take a commanding lead.
Kaduna Kakuri( Tijani Aliyu, Murtala Aliyu, Rabiu Mohammed and their Argentine import, Diego White) who could only managed to score goals throughout the encounter, were clearly out matched in horsepower, teamwork and determination by Sirika’s Boys who stormed the Murtala Square venue with over forty Argentine thorough breeds and trucks load of supporters.
“It was a nerve wrecking and an intense match up that truly lived up to billing. Kakuri pushed us all the way, but we were better prepared and our determination paid off with a deserving victory, the Aviation Minister declares shortly after receiving the prize from the Argentine envoy, His Excellency, Juan Manuel Ortin at a colourful presentation ceremony.
The cup sponsor, Dawule who is also a member of Kaduna Polo Club Board of Trustee, was delighted by the horsemanship and the skills of the upcoming players during the game. He congratulated the winners and all participating players for making the 2017 Kaduna polo tournament such an exciting fiesta of top class polo.
“I’m particularly thankful for Emir of Katsina and Lamido Adamawa for their royal support over the years. Kaduna Polo Club is also indebted to our numerous sponsors and partners for their unflinching supports that ensure the successful hosting of this prestigious polo tournament,” the one fondly called the “Teacher”, declared.
Other revered cups that were in their final stages of competition as at the time of filing this report include the Emir of Katsina cup, General Hassan Cup, Imani Cup and the Hassan Hadejia Cup, among others.