The 2026 Captain’s Prize: Why I Hate Playing Against My Dad- Victorious Tanqueray Captain Jadini Nzomo Opens Up
Tanqueray captain Jadini Nzomo in action during the 2026 Captain’s Prize at the Nairobi Polo Club on Sunday. PHOTO JONAH ONYANGO
The handicap 2.5 skipper returned to the sport at the weekend after a one-year hiatus, netting emphatic 13-8 victory against Nairobi Hospital.
Erick Ochieng and Erick Nzioka
NAIROBI, Kenya-They have ruled the Kenyan polo playing scene like colossus for years. They are the best of friends. Their actions are well synchronized. They got each other’s back like two lions defending a pride in their territory.
Their magical pairing has always netted for the family countless trophies that comfortably nestle well in their coveted cabinet.
Meet the Nzomos; Jadini (son), Hiromi (daughter) and Raphael (father) are such an amazing spectacle to watch in the field of play. They not only uphold revered family values, but are a true testament to the spirit of the rare sport.
Prolific hard hitter Jadini, who led the formidable Tanqueray squad to the 2026 Captain’s Prize victory at the Nairobi Polo Club (NPC) at the weekend, admits it’s always a toll order to play against his father in any given tournament.
For example, he was paired against his handicap 1.5 father who featured for Nairobi Hospital in the two-day 12 chukka battle which the Tanqueray side, that Jadini captained, ultimately won 13-8 on Sunday after taking a 6-4 lead on Saturday.
“This was the longest ever competition in my life. I could not stretch beyond my limits. I could not play to my full potential; this is because I was up in arms with my father.
Tanqueray captain Jadini Nzomo (Left) and his team mates after lifting the 2026 Captain’s Prize at the Nairobi Polo Club on Sunday. PHOTO JONAH ONYANGO.
“Honestly, I don’t like playing against my father. My father is my greatest inspiration in the sport; he introduced me to the game; he nurtured me to be the best in the discipline.
“I grew up playing alongside him. He knows me in and out. I got his back and he got mine. We know each other like the palms of our hands. We kind of take care of each other in a game situation,” Jadini told Standard Sports.
“On the pitch, my father looks out for me and I do the same. This is not always a hundred percent when I’m playing with other team-mates – I can only do as much, to a certain extent. I can say I really play so well, so tough when it’s a family ‘business affair’,” Jadini admitted.
Following their victory at the weekend, Jadini says he cannot wait to feature alongside his father Raphael and sister Hiromi in the high-profile Kenya International set for NPC on September 18-20.
“It will be formidable. It will be exciting, we are going to practice and prepare well before we step on the pitch. Someone will have to feel the mettle the family is made of,” says Jadini.
And how does he feel to captain sides in polo, with so much success rates?
“Awesome. Being a skipper helps you to expand your leadership skills. Most of the sides that I captain, like the Tanqueray at the weekend, are very easy to lead and guide, since everyone plays their part in the game.
“I normally pump in goals, but this cannot go without crediting super passes from my team mates.
“I haven’t played polo for close to one year now, so it was great to make a comeback with a victory. At least, I realized polo is still in my blood, I haven’t forgotten how to play it,” Jadini says.
Tanqueray squad (in white) chase after Nairobi Hospital opponents during the 2026 Captain’s Prize at the Nairobi Polo Club on Sunday. PHOTO JONAH ONYANGO.
Jadini majorly attributed team work, communication, passion and resilience to their weekend victory against Nairobi Hospital.
His opinion about the annual Captain’s Prize tournament is that it’s a fixture that aims to introduce new and younger players to the sport.
For example, his Tanqueray side gave young handicap 1.5 Sharon Allela a chance to showcase her skills in the game.
For one to be a prolific polo player, Jadini advocates for interest and passion as key values of the trade.
“The most interesting thing with this game is that once its bug bites you, you can not look back. You will love it over and over.
“I urge Kenyans to embrace the game because polo is full of fun, adrenaline, competitive and makes you fit and healthy.
“The game has amazing people and good energy. I honestly thank my father for all the efforts he has made to make me comfortable in it.”
Can someone make money out of polo?
“I think it’s all about interest and the passion you have for it. Polo is all about connection and networking. Personally, I have played polo for years and I’m yet to get the money.”
Commenting on his good start to the new season, Jadini was grateful to the weekend victory which was also injury free. He thanked the greenkeepers for making the field conducive for play and commended the players for the massive turnout.
“I think it can only get better as the season progresses,” Jadini says.
The 2026 Captain’s Prize results
Saturday
Tanqueray 6 4 Nairobi Hospital
Sunday
Tanqueray 13 8 Nairobi Hospital
