They said ‘wherever there is glory, there is always a story’ no wonder the just concluded Jos international polo tournament was a perfect platform for the Jos Malcomines Polo team to revel in the splendour of its sporting achievements.
Powered by the President of Jos Polo Club, Murtala Laushi, Malcomines Warriors clinched their sixth straight triumphs as the kings of Jos polo.
In fact, Malcomines Warriors extended their supremacy with another emphatic victory by successfully defeating two arch rivals, Fifth Chukkers and Keffi Ponys, in blistering fashion to clinch the event’s biggest prize, the Governor Cup in what was a glorious year for the Laushi-led side.
“It’s an unbelievable victory,” Laushi exclaimed. “I couldn’t describe the first time we won so I don’t know how to put this one into words.”
Laushi who doubles as the chief host of the fiesta, dedicated the victory to his players, fans and all the peace-loving people in the Plateau.
In the team with Laushi were Asharaf Yahaya, Fernando Munas and Aliero Aramburo and they swept past arch rivals to crown glorious year of victories from Emir of Kano Cup in Kano, the African Patrons Cup in Kaduna, and successfully defending their titles in Yola, Keffi and finally extend their supremacy as the Kings Jos polo on Sunday.
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True to its cutting-edge competition and unpredictable tradition, the prestigious Jos Winter polo festival lived up the billing as the Nigerian Army team outpaced the hard fighting Kano opponents to clinch the glittering President’s Cup for the second year running, just as the Police team finished tops in the race for the coveted NASCO Cup.
Other top winners of the glamorous year ending festival that attracted over forty teams, include former champions Kaduna Trappco who returned to winning ways carting home the Imani Cup, while Senator Ahmed Wadada let out the loudest roar lifting the Unity Cup with his Keffi Pony team.
Majorly sponsored by NASCO Group and Malcomines Minor Metals, the prestigious polo carnival that seeks to consolidate the new found peace in the Plateau, was a thrilling eight days of excitement.
Another sublime achievement saw the battle-ready Army team piloted by Lt. Col. Mazado and Major Mairuwa overpowered their Civilian opponents 6 -5 in a closely fought four-chukker battle at the legendary Gen. Hassan Katsina Polo Ground, to win the GOC Cup.
“We had a little run in the second and third chukkas to try and open up our lead, but the civilians were giving us everything to work for the victory, ” Lt. Col Mazado said. “With this win, it looks like we’ve got a long road ahead of us, and we’ve got a lot of work to do,” r Mairuwa pointed out.
President of Nigerian Polo Federation (NPF) Nura Kangiwa led the Plateau State Governor, the Lamido Adamawa, Emirs of Bauchi, Keffi, Awe, Dass, and corporate chieftains to present prizes to deserved winners and runners-up at a colourful closing ceremony in Jos
Laushi alongside the Vice Presidents Edward Fom and Idi Nasredden, all expressed delight with Malcomines Ltd., the NASCO Group, the state government and other sponsors, for their loyalty to the sports of kings.
They also lauded the sportsmanship, discipline and peaceful conduct of both the players and spectators during the eight days carnival, promising a better packaged 2023/2024. Jos fiesta polo that lit up the chilly Plateau State capital city with fireworks.