Western Cape – On Saturday, February 7, 2026, the Cape Winelands didn’t just host a polo match; it witnessed the birth of a new lifestyle landmark.
Against the dramatic peaks of the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley, Absa Du Champ made its debut at the Val de Vie Estate, delivering a day that felt less like a sporting fixture and more like a masterfully orchestrated sensory journey. This wasn’t merely an event to watch; it was an experience to be felt.
Where mastery meets story
From the moment guests arrived, it was clear this was something different. The guiding theme, “Where Mastery meets Story”, wasn’t just a tagline on a pamphlet; it was woven into the very fabric of the day.
The thunder of hooves on the immaculate field was just one note in a rich symphony that also included the clink of crystal glasses, the quiet contemplation of contemporary art, and the theatrical presentation of a world-class meal.
An immersive celebration of art and luxury
The day unfolded as a full sensory exploration of refined living. Beyond the polo, guests discovered a curated art gallery by Gallery MOMO, featuring works by contemporary visionaries like Blessing Ngobeni and Vivien Kohler. This was juxtaposed with exclusive luxury goods and a showcase of distinguished wine estates, creating an atmosphere of layered discovery.
This commitment to a holistic, premium experience mirrors Absa’s broader lifestyle strategy, which continues to champion excellence across diverse sporting and cultural platforms.
Gastronomy as art
At the heart of the experience was a gastronomic journey that redefined event catering. Award-winning chef Johnny Hamman curated a twelve-course menu, but the presentation was the real showstopper. The striking Vertical Harvest Table transformed the chef’s table into a living sculpture.
Guests moved through immersive culinary moments—a seasonal tomato installation, a sculptural meringue dessert—each course a piece of art thoughtfully paired with the world’s most celebrated wines and spirits.
Entertainment and atmosphere
The atmosphere was further charged by a carefully curated entertainment line-up. DJ Greg Maloka set an afternoon groove, before a live performance by Empire the Band brought palpable energy to the field ahead of the main match. As the sun began to dip, DJ PH seamlessly carried the crowd from the adrenaline of sport into sophisticated sunset festivities.
Championing women in sport
True to its name—Du Champ, French for “of the field”—the event honoured mastery in all its forms. This was powerfully underscored by the celebration of the Ladies’ match, placing female athletes at the very heart of the programme.
It was a vivid demonstration of Absa’s continued commitment to advancing women in sport, a dedication that has seen the bank championing initiatives like the record-breaking Sunshine Ladies Tour, empowering women cyclists at the Absa Cape Epic, and supporting elite and everyday runners through the Race of Hope (RYC).
On-field highlights
The competition on the field was as fierce as it was elegant. In a tightly contested Ladies match, Royal Reins secured a narrow 6-5 victory over Crown Chukkers. Winning players Daniele Francis, Loa Marie Venter, Nadia Irons, and Jocelyn Spilsbury were celebrated with the same fervour as their male counterparts.
The Men’s 10 Goal final saw Inland Lakers triumph 7-6 against Coastal Warriors, with the ‘Best Playing Pony’ title awarded to Nemo, owned and ridden by George Morgan—a beautiful tribute to the partnership that defines the sport.
Voices from the day
Sydney Mbhele, Group Chief Marketing and Corporate Affairs Officer at Absa, captured the essence of the day, stating, “Absa Du Champ represents an exciting evolution of our lifestyle portfolio. It is a premium platform that brings together craft, culture and excellence… Experiences like these allow us to build meaningful relationships while supporting the creators and communities shaping Africa’s cultural landscape.”
This sentiment was echoed by Steven Hickox, Managing Director of Equus Group, who added, “Our vision was to craft a day that celebrates mastery and innovation, and this debut marks the beginning of a new chapter in luxury experiences.”
Absa’s broader sporting impact
Absa’s dedication to fostering community and excellence through diverse sporting platforms continues to enrich the South African landscape. From the tarmac of the Cape Epic and the athletic tracks of the RYC, to the prestigious Cars & Consumers Awards, the bank is weaving a powerful narrative of support, empowerment, and celebration of achievement across sports, culture and business.
A defining new fixture
With its seamless fusion of sport, art, gastronomy, and design, Absa Du Champ has firmly established itself as a defining new fixture. It was a celebration of excellence and storytelling—a day where mastery met meaning, and where every detail was designed not just to be seen, but to be felt, remembered, and shared.
The future of luxury experiences in South Africa has arrived, and it has never looked more refined.
Follow @absaduchamp on social media (Facebook and X) for all updates. #AbsaDuChamp #YourStoryMatters
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