SNOW POLO IN CHINA:
The South African team depart for chilly China on Sunday afternoon. The weather guru’s tell us temperatures sink to as low as -12 degrees so there will be plenty of thermal clothing packed. Team preparations have gone well with the team practicing in Selby Williamson’s arena for a week – thank you Selby for your valued assistance and coaching. As you know, South Africa will be competing against 11 other nations for the FIP World Snow Polo Championship. We have a tough draw with our first match against England followed by Argentina and lastly old rivals India. Our immediate focus is to qualify for the quarters – the top two teams from each pool will qualify. Thereafter semis and hopefully finals!!! The South African team is as follows:
The South African team depart for chilly China on Sunday afternoon. The weather guru’s tell us temperatures sink to as low as -12 degrees so there will be plenty of thermal clothing packed. Team preparations have gone well with the team practicing in Selby Williamson’s arena for a week – thank you Selby for your valued assistance and coaching. As you know, South Africa will be competing against 11 other nations for the FIP World Snow Polo Championship. We have a tough draw with our first match against England followed by Argentina and lastly old rivals India. Our immediate focus is to qualify for the quarters – the top two teams from each pool will qualify. Thereafter semis and hopefully finals!!! The South African team is as follows:
- Tom de Bruin - 6 goals
- Jean du Plessis - 6 goals
- Leroux Hendricks - 4 goals
- Terence Spilsbury - 4 goals (reserve)
We wish them a safe journey and the best of luck and look forward to them retuning home as the new Snow Polo World Champions !!!
AUSTRALIA:
The Australian Polo Council invited a South African team to play two Internationals during March/April this year. The tour itinerary is as follows:
AUSTRALIA:
The Australian Polo Council invited a South African team to play two Internationals during March/April this year. The tour itinerary is as follows:
- Monday 26 March: Depart Johannesburg to Sydney
- Tuesday 27 March: Test Match Horse Trials
- Wednesday 28, Thursday 29 March & Tuesday 3 April: Tournament Polo
- Saturday 31 March: Test Match (Windsor Polo Club)
- Thursday 5, Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 April: Play in Kurri Burri Polo Tournament
- Saturday 7 April: Easter Test Match @ Royal Easter Show
- Monday 9 April: Depart Sydney to Johannesburg
They initially requested a 24 goal team but due to work commitments of our high goal professionals this had to revised to 20 goals. The team selected is a combination of youth and experience and there is no doubt they will acquit themselves well. We look forward to a series win.
The team is as follows:
The team is as follows:
- Davey Evans (4)
- Brad MacGibbon (5)
- Joe Henderson (5)
- Duncan Watson (5)
Duncan Ellis will travel with the team as “Manager/Coach” and will also fill in as a substitute in the event of an injury. Joe Henderson was one of South Africa’s highest rated players but due to his overseas professional commitments has never played for South Africa. He is delighted at the prospect and his astute tactical knowledge can only benefit the team.
Concurrent with the senior tour will be a Colts Under 21 tour (maximum 8 goals) which will play in the curtain raiser matches to the Internationals. The SA Colts team is in the process of being finalised and will be announced shortly.
In addition to the above two tours there are a number of exciting and prestigious invitations in the pipeline all of which form part of SAPA’s ongoing strategy of promoting international polo tours – both at home and abroad.
CLIVE PEDDLE
Executive Director – South African Polo Association
CLIVE PEDDLE
Executive Director – South African Polo Association
