NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 8 – Kenyan polo player Bobby Kamani believes he still needs to do more in training and competitive setting if he is to reach the highest level of the game.
Kamani said his main focus in the new year is to improve on the weak facets of his game even as he continues competing in various tournaments within and without the country.
“I think (improving on ballwork) depends on how much you can practice. I am constantly on the field working on my stick and ball. The more tournaments you play, the better your game gets. I need to work on a lot of things…being able to slow down the horse when you are coming towards the ball and also focusing on the ball. I think these are two things I want to take into the new season and concentrate on them,” Kamani said.
Kamani, who completed his maiden season as a polo player last year, was all smiles on Sunday after his BM Security side emerged winners of the Davis Cup Tournament after a 4F-4 win over Radio Africa at the Nairobi Polo Club.
Besides Kamani, the BM team consisted of Harry Stichbury, Moses Wainaga and Phyllipa Gulden – who was named the most valuable player (MVP).
On the other hand, Radio Africa comprised the Nzomo family, led by Nairobi Polo Club chair Raphael Nzomo, Jadini and Hiromi Nzomo as well as Josephine Gauld.
Commenting on the nail-biting final, Kamani expressed his pride and joy at playing among experienced players, such as Raphael, who have helped improve his all-round game.
“Today was a really tough game. I think we started in the lead yesterday but we did not let that get into our heads. We were really focused…I had a really strong team so I was very lucky; our opponents were probably stronger but it is just that it was not their day. It was a fantastic game to end the Davis Cup and I am really happy that we have won,” the -1.5-handicapped player said.
Kamani added: “It has been a really competitive season but I am really grateful to the experienced players because they have really made us feel a part of the polo playing community. I am looking forward to playing more polo…the next three weekends will be tournaments so it will be all fun.”
Arungah’s big plan
In the preceding match of the day, Tanqueray edged a tight contest, defeating Tusker Malt 5-4.
The winners scored through Jamie Excell, Magda Jurkowiecka and Omwakwe Arungah as their opponents replied via Jules Camm and Izzy Stichbury.
Speaking after the game, team captain Arungah attributed the victory of team cohesion, expressing his relief that their mistakes did not prove too costly in the end.
“I think it was down to the cohesion of the team. There were some fumbles towards the end because we were obviously tired but we were able to bring it back together and close out the game,” he said.
Personally, Arungah, who has been in the United Kingdom for studies, is rubbing his hands with glee ahead of the new season.
“I am really looking forward to this upcoming season because I will be fully around. I am looking forward to practicing…improving my handicap…creating a more competitive polo environment in Kenya and participating in that,” the 1-handicapped player said.
The first match of the day saw 24:7 – comprising Jonathan Stichbury, Natasha Tisminieszky, Jamie Hayward and Silke Hampson – defeated Live Eye 4-2F at the same venue.
