Maryam Kurfi: Why I am sponsoring polo team

Could you introduce yourself?My name is Mayram  Kurfi. I come from Katsina State. I am an economist, a fashion designer and a civil servant. I have a full time job with Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC. I am also a polo enthusiast.For most people the game of polo is for men. What are you finding […]

Could you introduce yourself?
My name is Mayram  Kurfi. I come from Katsina State. I am an economist, a fashion designer and a civil servant. I have a full time job with Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC. I am also a polo enthusiast.
For most people the game of polo is for men. What are you finding in a male dominated sport?
 I am interested in polo because since my childhood, I was in a polo club and when I got into school, I continued riding horses. I like animals and stuffs. And I find it very interesting especially the speed of the horses. Polo is the game for kings and there is so much glamour in it. And when you go to watch the game of polo, you notice the women dressing in their hats and everything. I am a fashion designer like I said and it is an open secret that polo and fashion have so much in common. I enjoy watching the sport and the glamour side of it. That’s why I decided to sponsor a polo team.
Do you also play polo?
I ride but I don’t play. I ride for pleasure but I don’t know how to play polo. I have never tried playing it. I am a bit scared. Riding and controlling the horses is a bit tricky. I am not a pro yet maybe with time, I will play the game actively.
You have just said you don’t play polo because you are scared. Do you think in future there would be no hazards to scare you off?
They would be there but with everything in life there is a hazard to it and that is the excitement of it. We all fall down once in a while. It may not be physically but some days you get down but you just have to learn to stand up and move on. Being scared should not stop you from attempting and achieving your dreams.
Do you have your own pony?
 No yet. I do not have my own. I just use someone else’s pony in the club. It is something you have to build up. Looking after horses is not easy.
Your team, Irama Mode polo team has just won the Guards Cup in the Centenary Polo Tournament in Abuja. How excited are you with this achievement?
 I am very excited. I am so proud of my team. They deserved the trophy. It was a result of hard work, dedication and commitment on the part of all of us in the team. They are magnificent players and they really trained hard. If you know the score, you will discover we were well ahead of others. Most of my players are pros anyway. They love the game and they have so many years experience.
What does it take to sponsor a polo team?
It does take a lot of money to support a polo team as you well know. So it is a large amount that I put into it to support the team but I see it as good investment because I enjoy the game. It is pleasure and business put together. In that situation, it is promoting my name and business. Now people know Irama Mode. I really enjoyed myself while the tournament lasted. It was fun going round, watching people and giving out snacks, just being a team player and making sure people enjoy the game.
How do you hope to sustain this achievement?
I definitely hope to sustain it. I am hoping that we would return to this same tournament next year and if any other tournament comes around the country, we would attend. I know they have them around Sokoto, in katsina and other places. I will continue to support and sponsor my team. I am interested in learning how to play the game myself. I am passionate about polo and I hope to continue.
How much support are you enjoying from your family?
I have the full support of my parents and siblings especially sponsoring but I am not sure about playing the game. They are behind me sponsoring but due to the risk involved in playing, I am not sure they will give their consent. However, we haven’t got to that. When we get to that bridge, we shall cross it.
How much support did you receive from your family during the tournament?
Definitely, they were all there, all those who could be there were there to support the team all through the tournament in Abuja. They were screaming all over the place. We were all ecstatic about it. My dad was very proud when he saw the report about the team in the papers.
What is your assessment of the game of polo in Nigeria?
The sport is making remarkable progress. We have quality players who are moving up. At the tournament there were players who came from Argentina to participate. We are playing against international levels. So we are stepping up. And you know there is a new polo club being built in Abuja, a much nicer one than the one we currently have. So we are definitely getting somewhere. The game is getting more popular in Nigeria.
Who is your favourite polo player in Nigeria?
I think the captain of the Abuja Guards Brigade polo club, Mustapha Junaidu. He is very good. He is very humble about it but he is a great player. He plays the game with dexterity and passion and I like watching him play.