Standard Bank Polo in the Park at Steyn City

Standard Bank and newly founded, African Deluxe Company, hosted the very first Polo In The Park event in Africa on Saturday 16 November. This spectacular event took place at the luxurious Parkland Residence, Steyn City. The new Polo Park, specifically built for this event, created a magnificent backdrop, with breath-taking views of Steyn City’s manicured parklands, overlooking the pristine Jack Nicklaus designed golf course and international award-winning clubhouse.

“Since inception, Steyn City has set out to create the space for families and friends to spend time together, doing what they love best,” comments Tammy Menton, Group Head of Marketing and Events, Steyn City Properties. “Polo in the Park is a perfect example of this, an event which speaks to our own ethos, which revolves around providing a lifestyle that’s unrivalled by anything else in South Africa. Of course, given facilities like our world class equestrian centre, it goes without saying that many of our residents are equine enthusiasts!”

Mishkah Roman-Cassiem

Renowned actress, and international style icon Amanda du-Pont, welcomed all the celebrity guests, who did not disappoint in the dress attire category contextualizing the Nomadic Couture dress code. Staying true to the theme “Polo Through The Ages “ the event showcased the iconic countries and cities that polo first became famous in, from Persia, where it all started 2000 years ago, to Shanghai, Jaipur, Barcelona, Buenos Aires, and of course Jo’burg.

Amanda du-Pont

The VVIP guests were greeted in the great room of Marrakech with ostentatious gold flower installations, and a cuisine fit for kings and queens. DJ Zinhle, proudly brought to us by Peroni, opened up the dance floor. Malfy Gin and Mumm Champagne, two premium brands from the Pernod Ricard portfolio, kept everyone’s thirsts quenched throughout the day. Beautiful guests, picturesque surroundings, delicious food and drink, all the correct ingredients for a perfect Polo in the Park event.

DJ Zinhle

I spoke to Lindy-Lou Alexander, the Head of Marketing for PBB SA at Standard Bank, to find out why Standard Bank decided to sponsor this event. Have a look below:

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Lindy-Lou Alexander (Head of Marketing PBB SA at Standard Bank) explains why @standardbanksa sponsored today’s @joburgpolointhepark @AfricanLuxeGroup @steyn_city @lindy_loua #MishkahOnTheMove #SBPoloInThePark #ParkPolo #africandeluxecompany

A post shared by Mishkah Roman-Cassiem (@mishkah7) on Nov 16, 2019 at 5:48am PST

Park Polo has 3 players per side, and you really get close to the players and ponies, as can be seen in the video below.

The day kicked off with the Curtain Raiser game between the East Rand Polo team versus the Inanda Polo team. An action-packed game, filled with action packed swings and plays. The brand new format of polo, kept the guests engaged with excitement. With a handicap of 7, Owen Nelson, Attie van Wyk and Duncan Ellis, of the East Rand polo team won the first match.

The main game between the Steyn City team and the Standard Bank team left the audience enthralled, yet another game packed with riveting technique. Park Polo is meant to bring the audience closer to the action and it did not fail to deliver just that. The Standard Bank Team comprised of Duncan Watson, Gary Spilsbury and Leroux Hendriks, with a handicap of 15, played a meticulous game.The Polo concluded with the Standard Bank team taking home the inaugural Standard Bank Polo in the Park trophy.

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I’m so close to all the park polo action here at the @standardbanksa Polo in the Park @joburgpolointhepark @africandeluxecompany @steyn_city #MishkahOnTheMove #SBPoloInThePark #ParkPolo

A post shared by Mishkah Roman-Cassiem (@mishkah7) on Nov 16, 2019 at 6:03am PST

The Standard Bank team beat Steyn City 7 to 6.

Standard Bank Polo in The Park was not only about polo, but about the lifestyle that accompanies the sport of kings. The event boasted a series of interactive luxury lifestyle experiences, such as an Aspire Art Pop-Up Gallery, a Bulgari Jewelry Lounge, a luxury fashion emporium (including sunglasses by Freckle Eyewear) and a Flutter lash boutique.

Bulgari exhibit

Douw and Carolyn Steyn are the founders and owners of Steyn City – here are their personalised Bentleys

Combining a sensational polo line-up in a brand-new format of polo with spectacular hospitality, riveting entertainment and a programme of luxury lifestyle experiences that will showcase the City of Gold like never before, this is an event you won’t want to miss in 2020. The Standard Bank Polo in the Park was by far one of the most spectacular polo events in South Africa this year, and a perfect way to end off the year in style.