Lagos Polo Club edge Nairobi Polo to win Simon Kuseyo Cup

The Nigerian side won the penalty count 3-0 to take home the trophy, extending their dominance in the competition. The match was a thrilling contest, with the decisive goal coming in the closing seconds.

Beyond the competition, the tournament continues to strengthen the longstanding friendship between the two clubs while honouring the legacy of Simon Kuseyo, one of Kenya's pioneering polo players who died in the 2000 Kenya Airways plane crash in Abidjan.

Lagos Polo Club captain Sayyu Dantata expressed delight at retaining the trophy, describing the victory as another memorable moment for the Nigerian side. He also highlighted the growing bond between the two clubs, saying the competition represents more than just winning silverware.

"We're here in Nairobi Polo Club. We are happy we retained the title and besides this, we have had a wonderful weekend, amazing game. We had a fourth win for us. The field was amazing, horses amazing, the weather is perfect for us. We all had fun. It's amazing".

"This is my third win personally and fourth for Lagos Polo Club. We'll have that banter over Nairobi for the next year. We told them we're keeping the trophy. We just brought it for them to see for a couple of days".

"But I think apart from us taking the trophy home and the bragging rights, the brotherhood we share with Nairobi Polo Club as a family now is amazing."

"The bond is getting stronger and we wish it continues for more generations to come".

Nairobi Polo Club chairman Simon Muchene praised both teams for their competitive display, describing the encounter as a closely fought contest that went down to the wire. He said the tournament continues to strengthen relations between the two clubs while paying tribute to Simon Kuseyo's legacy.

"Today we had Lagos playing with the Nairobi team. It was a very hard-fought game. It came down to the crunch time. The last goal was scored within less than 30 seconds to go. Both teams played really well.

"I'm super proud of how it went. It's been a safe day. I think everybody is happy with how the game went. The relationship between the Nairobi Polo Club and the Lagos Polo Club continues to strengthen through the memories of Simon Kuseyo". 

"All in all, it's been a beautiful event. I'd like to thank EABL, Tusker Malt. I'd like to thank Nairobi Hospital. I'd also like to thank Sense Getaway".

"Some crucial people I'd also want to thank are the horse lenders. This game requires lending horses to the players who come in. People go way above and beyond to make sure that this happens. So I'm super proud of all the partnerships that we have going."

Lagos Polo Club tournament manager Olumide Akbola said the team's visit to Nairobi was not just about competing for the trophy but also strengthening the spirit of friendship and camaraderie between the two clubs. He praised the organisation and the improving quality of the competition.

"They received us very well and provided everything we need. And so, as the game of polo is, it's camaraderie, it's brotherhood, it's sisterhood, it's everything else we can think about.

"It's just a unifying sport that brings out fierce competition but also we look out for each other. It's a very small circle and it's always very nice to play against one another and with one another".

"It's been fantastic. The quality of horses was really nice, the turnout has been fantastic and the quality of the game has been phenomenal. It's been pretty good. I see a gradual improvement as the years go by". 

"It's been quite remarkable how things have evolved, especially with the organisation at the Nairobi Polo Club. They've put in a lot into this. We were the defending champions. We brought the cup back from Lagos, Nigeria and we are taking it back to where it came from."

Title sponsors Tusker Malt said their involvement in the Simon Kuseyo Memorial Cup was driven by the desire to honour the late polo legend while giving consumers an experience beyond the sporting action. Naomi Kiema, Brand Manager Premium Beer representing KBL, said the partnership reflects the shared values of precision, determination and skill associated with polo.

"We're the title sponsors for this event and it's been nothing short of a memorable experience. And as KBL, we've come here to give consumers an experience more than just the game.

"Tusker Malt and polo, in one way or another, share an aligned structure in that you have a game requiring so much precision, determination, and skill."

"So we're just so glad to be able to align ourselves with polo. That's why we are here, that's why we are having a great time with our consumers and with lovers of polo".

"We wanted our consumers to have fun, to enjoy the game, of course as they have their Tusker Malt drinks there. We've had an amazing experience. Consumers have enjoyed, we're just looking at their lifestyle, people posing, having a great time, laughs here, cheers here and there and that's what we do here at KBL with Tusker Malt," she concluded.