South Africa wins BMW International Polo Series against USA

Midrand – The 2014 BMW International Polo Series saw an epic battle between the youth of the South African team and the experience of Team USA. The South Africans, having never played together as a team before, pulled out all the stops against the competitive and well-regarded USA team to win the final Test, 10-6 at Waterfall Polo Estate in Johannesburg, on Sunday.

With last weekend’s first Test in Shongweni, KwaZulu-Natal ending in a 5-all draw, following an exhilarating last minute goal by local favourite Davey Evans, the South Africans also clinched the two-Test series with yesterday’s victory.

The near perfect weather and outstanding field conditions allowed for fast, flowing polo. South Africa put the US team under relentless pressure to end the first half with a 6-2 lead. With the inimitable Memo Gracida – once renowned as the world’s finest polo player after spending 21 years with a 10-goal handicap – leading the charge, Team USA staged a dramatic second-half comeback to get within two goals, to trail 8-6 towards the end of the penultimate chukka.  But the South African’s held firm and a brilliant goal, from a narrow angle and at high speed by SA captain and eventual Man of the Match, Tom de Bruin sealed victory for the home side.

“BMW has a long history of involvement in sports which require a unique combination of power, performance and efficiency to be successful,” comments Antonio Antela Martinez, BMW Director of Sales and Marketing South Africa. “Sports like golf, motorsport and rugby are a natural fit thanks to their attributes of passion, precision and performance. Polo really adds premium to these same characteristics so it’s no surprise we’ve supported this series for the past 25 years.”

“The partnership between BMW and the South African Polo Association over the last 25 years has made the development of the sport possible. We are extremely grateful for the phenomenal support from BMW. This has encouraged more young players to enter the sport and has solidified South Africa’s presence in the polo world,” said Clive Peddle, Executive Director of the South African Polo Association and South African team coach.

-Ends-

If you have any queries regarding this press release, please contact:

BMW South Africa Group Communications and Public Affairs Division:

Mr Guy Kilfoil

General Manager: Group Communications & Public Affairs

BMW South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Phone: +27-12-522-2204

Cell: +27-82-583-6262

Email: Guy.Kilfoil@bmw.co.za

OR

Cheryl Reddy

Ogilvy Public Relations

Phone: + 27-11-709-9621

Email: cheryl.reddy@ogilvypr.co.za

The BMW Group

The BMW Group is the leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 28 production and assembly facilities in 13 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2013, the BMW Group sold around 1.963 million cars and 115,215 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2012 was €7.82 billion on revenues amounting to €76.85 billion. As of the 31st December 2012, the BMW Group had a workforce of 105,876 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

Internet: www.bmw.co.za

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWSouthAfrica  

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMW_SA   

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWSouthAfrica

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/bmwsouthafrica