Ismaila Lere All is now set for the continent’s premium polo extravaganza, the Emir of Katsina Charity Shield Polo Tournament which gallops off at
the Fifth Chukker lawns of Kangimi Resort in Kaduna from May 28, 2009. The polo fiesta which has been the biggest sporting attraction in Nigeria and indeed Kaduna for the past six years promises to be the most competitive and most exciting since inception as a record number of eight teams loaded with international stars from around the world, are expected to vie for honours. Executive Director Commercial and Consumer Banking of Access bank Plc, Obeahon Ohiwerei who disclosed this at a media briefing in Lagos to herald the prestigious, stated that proceed from sales memorabilia at this year’s tournament in addition to N6 million donation from Access Bank Plc, would be used to support UNICEF in its campaign against HIV AIDS pandemic. Some of the high goal teams listed to contest for top honours and the prize money include the defending champions, Fifth Chukker/Access Bank who defeated the hard fighting KanoTitans in a nerve wrecking final last year to clinch the prestigious Charity Shield. Other are three times champions, Lagos MRS that missed the final spot last year by the whiskers, and Mercuria Energy that have fortified their team with two Argentine professionals. The trio would battle for the high stake Charity Shield that has been raised to an all time height of 21 goals this year. Albert Esiri’s Ashbert Raiders, Tavia Trojan, Kaduna Yerima and Talban Minna mounted by the Govenor of Niger State, Alhaji Babangida Aliyu are eyeing the winner takes all Muhammedu Kabir Usman Cup, which is a mediun- goal competition that would keep the crowd permanently on its feet from start to finish.
Other coveted prizes at stake in this international event which would be decided over two exciting weekends, include the UNICEF Cup that would pitch South Africa against United States of America in an all female polo warfare.