Polo makes historic debut in Namibia
Namibia made sporting history on 18 April with the country’s first-ever polo exhibition match, staged just outside Windhoek in a vibrant debut that blended sport, lifestyle, and international flair.
The landmark event saw Team La Muela defeat Team Maranatha 8–6 in a fast-paced and entertaining encounter, introducing Namibian audiences to the speed, skill, and spectacle of the “sport of kings”.
Held on a newly developed five-hectare field near Omeya, the exhibition attracted over 500 spectators and featured players from Namibia, Europe, and Argentina, with professional Argentine riders adding top-level experience to the match.
German-born entrepreneur Till Jeske, who spearheaded the project with his wife Agnieszka Sambor, said the journey began unexpectedly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I couldn’t even ride a horse when I started,” Jeske said. “But we learned, and it became a passion. That’s when we decided to bring polo to Namibia.”
The couple imported 24 horses from Argentina and spent nearly three years developing the facility, which is still in its early stages of growth.
“It was crazy work putting everything together,” Jeske said. “But once we were on the horses, everything calmed down. Seeing people enjoy it made it worth it.”
Agnieszka Sambor praised the public response and atmosphere on the day.
“It was very exciting for everyone, and the atmosphere was amazing,” she said. “People were interested in the rules and followed the game closely, which was very important for us.”
She confirmed that development is ongoing, including the construction of stables and a clubhouse.
“We are still developing, but we will definitely organise a tournament,” Sambor said. “We will invite more teams, more players, and more professionals.”
Jeske added that a full tournament could follow soon, depending on logistics.
“Maybe beginning of next year,” he said. “We need more horses.”
Government backing and federation ambitions
Deputy Minister of Sport, Dino Ballotti, attended the event and praised the initiative, describing it as a valuable addition to Namibia’s sporting landscape.
“It’s always nice to have a new sport added to our portfolio. Sport is a unifier,” Ballotti said. “We are impressed by the setup and the infrastructure.”
He further indicated government interest in formalising the sport locally.
“I’ve engaged the Sports Commission, and we will advocate for the registration of polo as an official federation. This could also bring economic activity and tourism opportunities,” he said.
Freddy Mwiya, Chief Administrator of the Namibia Sports Commission, also welcomed the development, noting growing interest in the sport’s potential.
The exhibition match delivered high-intensity action, with chukkas lasting seven minutes and players switching horses between periods, reaching speeds of up to 60 km/h.
Beyond the field, the event created a festive atmosphere with food stalls, music, and themed fashion under “Namibian Polo Avant-Garde”, signalling the start of a new sporting chapter in the country.
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