Johannesburg came alive on 17 May as the 2025 Nedbank International Polo unfolded in spectacular fashion at the Inanda Club. More than just a sporting event, it was a celebration of heritage, style and connection – a place where timeless tradition met contemporary South African flair. As the proud title sponsor, Nedbank once again demonstrated its dedication to creating meaningful connections and elevated experiences for its clients that go beyond the field and into the heart of culture.
Guests arrived dressed to the nines, bringing to life the Equestrian Avant-Garde theme and ready to immerse themselves in a day defined by high fashion, elevated hospitality, and exhilarating polo. From the power and grace of the horses to the stylish scene on the sidelines, the event struck the perfect balance between sporting prestige and social celebration.
“This event is not only a celebration of a world-class sport, but also an opportunity to connect meaningfully with our clients in a setting that reflects their lifestyle and ambitions,” said Buli Ndlovu, Executive Head of Retail and Business Banking Marketing at Nedbank. “The Nedbank International Polo allows us to bring our brand ethos to life in a way that is intentional and memorable.”
At the heart of the day was the international match, a display of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship. Guests watched as two elite teams went head-to-head in a fiercely contested game. The showdown saw both teams push the limits of skill and endurance, and Argentina emerged triumphant with a score of 14-12 over South Africa. With every gallop and goal, the crowd was captivated – proving once again that polo is not just a sport, but a spectacle.
A host of well-known personalities attended, turning heads in fashion inspired by the theme, Equestrian Avant-Garde. Former Miss South Africa, Dr Tamaryn Green-Nxumalo, looked effortlessly elegant, while media personalities Nqobile Khwezi and Lula Odiba wore tailored looks – a nod to this year’s sartorial trend. Other notable appearances included football star Teko Modise, comedian Primo Baloyi, and actor Bohang Moeko – all making strong style statements that defined the day’s glamour.
Nedbank’s ongoing partnership with the South African Polo Association is rooted in shared values: excellence, ambition, and a deep appreciation for heritage. The event serves as a platform not only to spotlight the sport of kings, but also to bring people together in meaningful, memorable ways.
As the proud title sponsor, Nedbank continues to set the benchmark for sporting excellence and luxury, delivering an event where equestrian mastery meets high-society prestige. “Nedbank is proud to continue its legacy of supporting world-class polo, an event that embodies the values of performance and prestige,” says Buli.
From the stylish looks on the lawn to the golden-hour cheers from the crowd, the 2025 Nedbank International Polo was a reflection of everything the brand stands for – timeless quality, bold vision, and proudly South African prestige. It was more than a day at the polo; it was an experience that lived up to Nedbank’s promise of building meaningful connections – and doing it in style.
We spoke to Khensani Nobanda, group executive for marketing and corporate affairs at Nedbank, about the significance of this partnership…
WHAT INSPIRED NEDBANK TO CONTINUE ITS PARTNERSHIP WITH THE INTERNATIONAL POLO, AND WHAT DOES THIS EVENT REPRESENT FOR THE BRAND?
Our continued partnership with the International Polo reflects our commitment to excellence, sophistication, and creating meaningful experiences for our clients. This year’s event was more than just a sponsorship; it was a celebration of heritage, innovation, and the connection between sport and society. It reaffirmed our purpose-led approach, offering an elegant, immersive platform through which we connected with our audience in a uniquely premium way.
HOW DOES NEDBANK SEE THE INTERSECTION OF SPORT, LIFESTYLE, AND CULTURE PLAYING A ROLE IN THE WAY IT ENGAGES WITH ITS CLIENTS AND THE BROADER PUBLIC?
We believe true connection happens when we meet people where their passions lie – often at the crossroads of sport, lifestyle, and culture. These spaces offer authentic moments to engage, inspire, and add value beyond traditional banking. Whether through the elegance of polo or other curated cultural moments, we aim to create experiences that blend digital ease with human warmth, building trust and resonance with our clients and audiences.
THIS YEAR’S EVENT WAS A STRIKING SHOWCASE OF ELEGANCE AND ATHLETICISM. WHAT MADE THE 2025 EDITION STAND OUT?
What set this year’s edition apart was the bold and imaginative theme: Equestrian Avant-Garde. It redefined polo style with a fashion-forward lens, merging classic equestrian elegance with a modern edge. From structured riding jackets and sleek leather to layered silk and sculptural accessories, the visual spectacle was unforgettable. The event became a stunning fusion of tradition and innovation, capturing the essence of both the sport and the cultural expression surrounding it.
IN WHAT WAYS DID NEDBANK ENSURE ITS INVOLVEMENT WENT BEYOND BRANDING TO BECOME A MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCE FOR ATTENDEES?
For Nedbank, it was never just about visibility; it was about intentional connections. Every touchpoint was designed with our clients in mind – from bespoke lounges to personalised interactions that made them feel truly seen. Bringing our clients closer to their experiences reflects our commitment to intuitive, human-centred private banking.
LOOKING AHEAD, HOW DOES NEDBANK PLAN TO EVOLVE ITS PRESENCE IN THE LIFESTYLE AND SPORTING SPACE THROUGH EVENTS LIKE THE NEDBANK INTERNATIONAL POLO?
As our clients’ expectations and values evolve, so will we. Events like the International Polo give us the perfect opportunity to shape spaces where lifestyle meets experiences through connection, where culture intersects with conversation, and where innovation supports meaningful engagement. The Nedbank International Polo remains a key canvas for us to reimagine what banking can be – dynamic, relevant, and built around our clients’ worlds.
WHAT DID THIS YEAR’S EVENT REVEAL ABOUT THE VALUE OF BEING A NEDBANK CLIENT, PARTICULARLY WITHIN THE PRIVATE CLIENTS AND PRIVATE WEALTH SEGMENTS?
It brought our philosophy to life: true value is measured not just in returns, but in experience, access, and individuality. For our Private Banking clients, the polo is a tangible expression of our commitment to delivering tailored excellence. It’s about showcasing the kind of seamless, intuitive service that defines Private Banking at Nedbank.
