Paarl’s prestigious Val de Vie Estate will make sporting history this November when international polo returns to the Western Cape for the first time in 15 years.
The Standard Bank Polo International, scheduled for Saturday 15 November, marks a significant milestone for South African sport and signals the estate’s re-emergence as one of Africa’s premier polo destinations.
The announcement has generated excitement among sporting enthusiasts and the global polo community, with the event promising to attract world-class players to Cape Town.
“Over the past two decades, Val de Vie has established itself as one of the biggest polo clubs in Africa, and we are thrilled to be bringing the world’s top players back to Cape Town,” said Ryk Neethling, Marketing and Brand Director at Val de Vie Estate.
Neethling emphasized polo’s unique ability to unite diverse communities. “Polo brings people together, across cultures, generations and backgrounds. It’s a sport that requires incredible commitment and skill and teaches patience, love, and respect for horses.”
The partnership between Standard Bank Wealth and Investment and Val de Vie Estate reflects a shared commitment to excellence and generational value.
Jacques Els, Head of Standard Bank Wealth and Investment, explained the strategic alignment behind the sponsorship. “Polo attracts a global, sophisticated audience who appreciate mastery, value discretion, and think generationally,” he said.
More than just sport
Both organizations view the event as an embodiment of their core values, extending beyond mere sporting competition.
“At Standard Bank Wealth and Investment, we are committed to helping our clients create, preserve, and grow their wealth across generations,” Els continued. “Supporting an international polo event allows us to not only demonstrate this commitment, but to do so in a setting that reflects the elegance and strategic depth that our clients associate with us.”
What’s next
Details about South Africa’s international opponents and additional event information will be announced in the coming weeks.
Polo enthusiasts and the broader sporting community can follow developments on the official Instagram account @valdevie.polo.international for the latest updates on this historic sporting return.
The November event promises to establish a new tradition, bringing together sport, culture, and sophistication in the heart of South Africa’s wine country.
