Namibia set to host historic first polo exhibition match
Namibia is set to mark a historic milestone in sport with the hosting of its first-ever polo exhibition match on 18 April, just outside Windhoek.
The event, spearheaded by German-born entrepreneur and polo enthusiast Till Jeske, aims to introduce the centuries-old sport to local audiences while laying the foundation for its growth in the country.
Jeske, who has been living in Namibia for nearly four years with his wife, said his journey into polo began unexpectedly during the COVID-19 pandemic while living in Poland.
“I didn’t know anything about polo and couldn’t even ride a horse,” he said. “But I learned, picked up the stick, and it became addictive. That’s when the idea started to bring the sport to Namibia.”
Since relocating, Jeske and his team have spent the past three years developing a polo facility on a farm opposite Omeya, transforming open land into a dedicated playing field. Although the field is still maturing and expected to reach full quality within three years, it is already in use.
Maintaining the field is a demanding process.
“It’s like a baby. It needs daily attention ,watering ,fertilising and constant care,” Jeske explained, adding that an Argentinian consultant has been instrumental in guiding the development.
To ensure authenticity, the team has also imported 24 polo horses from Argentina, widely regarded as the leading nation in the sport.
“You need proper polo horses. Without them, it becomes very difficult to play the game the right way,” he said.
Often referred to as the “sport of kings”, polo dates back more than 2,500 years to ancient Persia. Today, it is played globally, with strong followings in countries such as Argentina, South Africa and Zambia.
The game is played by two teams of four riders, with matches divided into periods known as chukkas, each lasting seven minutes of active play. Players change horses after every chukka, with the animals trained specifically to handle the speed and skill required ,often reaching speeds of up to 60 km/h during play.
“It’s all about horsemanship,” Jeske said. “If you can ride well, that’s already 70% of the game.”
While Namibia currently has only a handful of players, the exhibition match will feature a mix of local talent and international participants, including professional players from Argentina and Europe.
“We will have two mixed teams. The professionals will help guide the match, while local players get the opportunity to be part of it,” he added.
The event is not a tournament but rather a showcase aimed at introducing polo to Namibians and building a community around the sport.
Jeske also hopes to shift perceptions of polo as an elite-only activity.
“In places like the UK, it’s seen as a high-end sport, but in Argentina it’s much more informal. That’s the kind of environment we would like to create over time,” he said.
Beyond the action on the field, organisers are planning a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere. Around 500 spectators are expected, with free tickets available via online registration. The day will feature food trucks, a bar, music and a children’s play area.
There is also an element of style attached to the occasion, with guests encouraged to embrace a unique dress code described as “Namibian Polo Avant-Garde”.
“Let’s see what people come up with,” Jeske said.
The event will also be broadcast live on NTV (DSTV Channel 285 and GoTV 25), further expanding its reach and introducing the sport to a wider audience.
With excitement building ahead of the exhibition, Namibia’s sporting landscape is poised to welcome a new and unique addition, one that blends tradition, skill, speed and spectacle.
