Abuja’s first world-class polo club underway

Though on-going, a sneak peek granted to Weekly Trust suggests the club will boast of top-notch facilities. Already, the wide expanse of land is being worked on in earnest. According to the captain of the club, Isiaku Idris Kuta, the facilities when completed, will host both polo and a horse-racing club. In the background, the […]

Though on-going, a sneak peek granted to Weekly Trust suggests the club will boast of top-notch facilities. Already, the wide expanse of land is being worked on in earnest. According to the captain of the club, Isiaku Idris Kuta, the facilities when completed, will host both polo and a horse-racing club. In the background, the main clubhouse was being roofed by builders.

Kuta said the club intends to kick-start full-fledged activities by the third quarter of 2012. “We also hope to bring in a horse-racing derby.” He added that they have researched and discovered that the recreational needs of Abuja are growing. “There is no synchronization between infrastructure and social development,” he said.

Giving an insight into the name of the club, Kuta said the name is in honor of Abuja. “The club was named 12-12 because the city of Abuja officially became the federal capital on the 12th day of December, 1991. That was where the 12-12 idea came from.”

Speaking on the target participants, the captain said their target is not really restricted to FCT residents or Nigerians alone, but also international participants as well. “We often travel outside Nigeria to play polo. The same applies to this facility when completed. We are open to international participants, not only from Africa but from anywhere in the world.”

Kuta, who has also played professionally, said: “I haven’t played for some time. And like any other sport, if you don’t play for some time, proficiency will definitely reduce. I don’t know what my exact rating would be at the moment sincerely.”

At the site, horses were either frolicking, grazing or just roaming, obviously enjoying the grounds, while some caretakers could be seen tending to them. “By the time we’re done, we’ll have horse-riding clubs, too, for those who love horses, not necessarily for polo. This will be a place for all Abuja residents and anyone else who loves horses.” He also said the club is having some activities on the 12th of December to mark Abuja’s 10th anniversary.