The reigning Miss South Africa, Lalela Mswane, will be in Plettenberg Bay this weekend (09 Apr 2022) to attend a polo match at Kurland Estate.
The vivacious Mswane, who was the second runner up at the Miss Universe 2021 Pageant, will throw in the ball to start the match, and stay to watch the game and mingle with guests.
The match will be the second in the 2022 Ingwe Estate South African Open, which runs from 6 – 16 April and is hosted by the Plett Polo Club. Four teams comprising 16 top national and international players will compete for the title of best team in South Africa
This Saturday, 9 April, the matches will be played on Kurland Pavilion, with a polo-chic dress code for spectators. Rair Boutique in Plett have sponsored a R3,000 voucher for the best dressed lady.
Popular Plett restaurant Scotty’s will operate a pop-up eatery at the pavilion; however, pre-bookings are essential: contact Scotty on WhatsApp 072 275 0808, or email scottyrattray1@gmail.com.
On Wednesday 13 April, matches will be played on the Baron Ground. Entrance is free and spectators are encouraged to pack a cooler box and head to the grassy banks surrounding the fields to view the two games. Starting times will be confirmed by Plett Polo Club. Afterwards, spectators are invited to meet the players at the traditional Baron Braai at 5.30 pm, sponsored by the Beacon Isle KWIKSPAR and featuring comedian and entertainer Gino Gabbri.
The finals will be played on the pavilion on Saturday 16 April. Entertainment will include a DJ and a jumping castle for children. Scotty’s will also be catering for this event and the bar will be open.
Chairman of Plett Polo Garth Kanigowski says: “The annual South African Open is the number one tournament in South Africa with top players from all over the country and some international players competing every year at Kurland Estate. The team to beat this year will be the defending champions, Gulfstream, which comprises three young Springboks and up-and-coming local player Ryan Robertson”.
According to Kanigowski, the Plettenberg Bay polo scene will benefit the local economy to the tune of R100 million this year. “We are also very grateful to our title sponsor Ingwe Estate in the Crags. This beautiful property is a secure and exclusive estate surrounded by beaches, bush and world-class sporting amenities and The Plett Polo Cub is very proud to be partnering with them.”
For more information, visit the Plett Polo Facebook page: www.facebook.com/PlettPolo
Message from the CEO of Plett Tourism
The SA Open Polo tournament will bring Plettenberg Bay’s stunning scenery into the homes of many polo enthusiasts and may add the town to several desirable dream vacation lists. This year we are excited to share our town with the ravishing Lalela Mswane, Miss South Africa. She will be staying at the newly refurbished Bayview Hotel with magnificent ocean views and we have several boutique eatery and activity experiences lined up for her during her stay.
Patty Butterworth
CEO, Plett Tourism
