Ballito Polo Club returned home in triumph after winning the two-goal division at the 2026 Karkloof Classic Polo Tournament in Howick last weekend.

Hosted from June 26 to 28 at the historic Karkloof Polo Club, the tournament attracted 30 teams from around South Africa, making it one of the country’s premier polo events.

The national tournament has grown steadily in recent years. Last year’s competition drew 28 teams, more than 100 players, almost 700 horses and more than 5 000 spectators over the three-day event.

Representing Ballito Polo Club, which trains at Oaklands Equestrian Estate and the Ottawa Polo Fields, were club captain Lionel Foster, fellow Ballito resident Kayla Rattray, Keith Foster and Gerrit Stevens.

Competing in the two-goal handicap division, Ballito delivered an unbeaten performance across all three matches.

The team opened its campaign on Friday with a commanding 8-2 victory over Batter Halves before defeating Gemini Polo 6-4 on Saturday.

A hard-fought 5-4 win over Hold Your Horses on Sunday sealed the championship and secured the division title.

The celebrations did not end with the tournament victory.

Several local players also received a welcome boost when the latest handicap rankings were released, recognising their continued development and recent performances.

Ballito residents Cameron and Nikki Tyack, Deandra van Schalkwyk and Scott Rattray – who competed for Afriqup – were each awarded a one-goal increase in their handicaps, marking another milestone for the growing local polo community.

“The tournament result reflected the commitment of the club’s players and highlighted the continued growth of polo on the North Coast,” said club captain Lionel Foster.

Upcoming polo tournaments will take place in Gingindlovu from July 10 to 12 and in Ottawa, near Verulam, from July 24 to 26.