El-Amin tipped to retain Kaduna Polo trophy

Isa Hadeija, Captain of Kaduna Polo Club, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that El-Amin had the players to win the trophy for a record sixth consecutive time. Hadeija said his prediction was based on the team’s current form, particularly their performance in international competitions. According to the captain, El-Amin finished second at the […]

Isa Hadeija, Captain of Kaduna Polo Club, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that El-Amin had the players to win the trophy for a record sixth consecutive time.

Hadeija said his prediction was based on the team’s current form, particularly their performance in international competitions.

According to the captain, El-Amin finished second at the Haptul tournament in Dubai.

He admitted that the tournament would be tough as the 100-year-old Georgian Cup was as prestigious as the World Cup was to football.

Teams participating in the Georgian Cup have high handicaps with players parading +5 and above handicaps.

“ Winning the Georgian cup is the dream of any polo team because it is  the most prestigious trophy to be won in polo. It is like the World Cup for football,’’ he said.

He debunked claims that the game was for all comers, saying it was all for the financially capable.

He said a horse cost between N2 million and N5 million and feeding them was also a fortune

“Depending on the type, if you are going for an Argentine thorough bred or  a South African-bred, it could cost you between N2 million and N4 million,’’ he said.

 The manager said the animals were imported from Argentina, Morocco, South Africa and Sudan.

 He said:“The cost of bringing the horses into the country is between 4,000 dollars and 5,000 dollars per horse..

 “They are fed by brand products which costs N2, 000 per bag and depending on the number of horses in your stable, a bag can be consumed in two days.

 “Multiply the figure by 30 days and you will understand what is spent on feeding horses alone.’’

 He said their medical requirement was also financially challenging as “some of the patrons engage veterinary doctors on retainership to cater for the horses.’’

 Hadeija admitted some enthusiasts hired talented indigent players as professionals to play for their teams. (NAN