A New Era of Polo and Prestige Begins at Absa Du Champ

On Saturday 7 February 2026, the Cape Winelands welcomed a striking new addition to South Africa’s premium lifestyle calendar as Absa Du Champ launched at Val de Vie Estate. Against the dramatic backdrop of the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley, the inaugural event unfolded as a considered celebration of polo, culture and contemporary luxury.

Guided by the theme "Where Mastery Meets Story", the occasion positioned itself as more than a sporting fixture. It became a cultural platform honouring excellence, narrative and craft across disciplines.

While polo anchored the programme, the experience extended far beyond the field. Tastemakers, creatives and lovers of refined living moved through a layered environment shaped by design, artistry and precision. The rhythm of hooves met the quiet contemplation of art installations, while crystal glasses clinked beneath open skies.

A curated gallery by Gallery MOMO presented works by Blessing Ngobeni, Vivien Kohler, Phoka Nyokong, Ayobola Kekere Ekun and Bevan de Wet. Alongside the art, an exclusive boutique edit of luxury goods and The Collection’s showcase of fine wine and champagne estates deepened the sense of discovery.

At the centre of the hospitality offering was a twelve-course culinary experience curated by award-winning chef Johnny Hamman. The striking Vertical Harvest Table transformed each chef’s station into a sculptural installation, presenting dishes in a dramatic vertical format. Guests encountered immersive moments that included a seasonal tomato installation, a sculptural meringue dessert experience and live evening stations where multi-course creations were paired with celebrated wines and spirits. The result was an expression of culinary artistry aligned with the event’s modern luxury aesthetic.

Entertainment was equally considered. DJ Greg Maloka set the tone during the afternoon, followed by a live performance from Empire the Band ahead of the main match. As evening settled over the estate, DJ PH carried the energy into sunset celebrations.

Polo itself was framed as an art form. Described as a dialogue between horse and rider, the sport embodied trust, timing and instinct, reinforcing the event’s emphasis on mastery in motion.

Rooted in Absa’s brand promise that "Your Story Matters", the programme placed meaningful emphasis on women in sport. The Ladies match held a central position, underscoring the importance of visibility and opportunity for female athletes shaping competitive sport and contemporary culture.

The name Du Champ, meaning “of the field”, served as both literal and symbolic inspiration. It paid tribute to athletes, artisans, chefs, designers and cultural visionaries whose work reflects mastery in their respective fields.

Sydney Mbhele, Group Chief Marketing and Corporate Affairs Officer at Absa, described the platform as an evolution of the bank’s lifestyle portfolio, connecting clients and partners through shared moments of creativity, taste and design while supporting Africa’s cultural landscape.

On the field, competition mirrored the elegance of the setting. Royal Reins claimed a narrow 6–5 victory over Crown Chukkers in the Ladies match. Daniele Francis, Loa Marie Venter, Nadia Irons and Jocelyn Spilsbury received prizes from Steven Hickox, Managing Director of Equus Group, and Candice Thurston, Managing Executive for Brand and Marketing at Absa Group.

In the Men’s 10 Goal final, Inland Lakers secured a 7–6 win against Coastal Warriors. Ignaz Marx, Louw Schabort, Harry Muddle and Johann du Preez were honoured during the official prize-giving ceremony. The Best Playing Pony accolade went to Nemo, owned and ridden by George Morgan, recognising exceptional performance and partnership.

Steven Hickox noted that the vision behind Absa Du Champ was to celebrate mastery in its many forms, bringing together world-class polo, culinary artistry and cultural expression in a single setting.

With its seamless integration of sport, art, gastronomy and design, Absa Du Champ has positioned itself as a defining new fixture on the luxury calendar. It is a platform where excellence and storytelling intersect, and where every detail is crafted for experience and memory.

The debut signals not simply the arrival of another polo event, but the emergence of a refined cultural moment within South Africa’s evolving luxury landscape.