The Nairobi Polo Club roared to life over the weekend as the Maria Bencivenga Memorial Cup delivered fast‑paced polo, dramatic plays and a clear statement of intent from one standout side. In a compact four‑team festival staged across January 17–18, Gem Forest stamped its authority with a commanding 7.5–3 victory over Pure Travel, a result that combined clinical finishing, clever teamwork and a hat‑trick performance that had the terrace buzzing.
Match recap
From the first throw‑in, Gem Forest played with purpose. Their attack moved with precision, turning possession into points with ruthless efficiency. Pure Travel fought hard and carved out chances, but Gem Forest’s balance between aggressive offence and disciplined defence proved decisive. Kelvin Jumba’s three‑goal salvo punctuated the win, while teammates kept the scoreboard ticking to build a comfortable margin by the final chukker.
Key players and moments
Kelvin Jumba, Gem Forest — a match‑defining hat‑trick and the weekend’s headline act.
Joe Kamau, Gem Forest — two well‑timed strikes that kept the pressure on Pure Travel.
Natasha Tisminiesky, Gem Forest — added two goals and showed composure under the high‑tempo exchanges.
Alice Owambo, Gem Forest — the creative engine, supplying incisive assists and intelligent movement.
Notable contenders — the tournament roster featured names tipped for MVP honours, including Amani Nzomo, Mbu Ngugi and Sharon Allela.
What it means
Gem Forest’s 7.5–3 win was more than a single result; it was a statement that they arrived to compete. The lady‑player rule injected fresh tactical layers into team selection and on‑field dynamics, encouraging mixed‑gender collaboration and inventive strategies. With only four teams and a weekend format, the Maria Bencivenga Cup delivered concentrated, high‑intensity polo — a showcase event that rewarded sharp preparation and bold play rather than endurance across a long knockout run.
Looking ahead
If this weekend is any guide, the Nairobi January season will be lively and fiercely contested. Teams that adapt quickly to the mixed‑player format and sustain the kind of cohesion Gem Forest displayed will be the ones to watch as the season unfolds.
