A week before the final, after the three of them talked, Jeta told Poroto to ask his dad if he wanted to play with them. “I want to play with the guy,” he told Lolo. “Whater you decide,” the father replied. Thus began to come true that dream that Cambiaso slipped in December 2019 in a celebration of the Argentine Olympic Committee: to play with his son and his nephews. A bombshell for 2025: the Castagnola and the Cambiaso, a dream team.
In an interview with La Nación, Jeta Castagnola opened up about his plans and excitement. Here’s a summary brought to you by PoloHUB.
The End of an Era and the Beginning of Another
As La Natividad prepared for the 2024 season, they knew internally that it would be their last with the 2023 Palermo champions’ lineup. The Castagnola brothers were ready to play with their cousin Poroto, a topic they had been discussing for several years. Adolfito Cambiaso always referred to a future “up in the air”, depending on his son’s decision. He would allow his son the freedom to choose whether to continue playing with him or to start his own project. As the Triple Crown season approached, everyone focused on their immediate priorities, leaving the final decision for after the Argentine Open.
Names and Rumors
Amidst the anticipation, names and rumors circulated. Lukín Monteverde, due to his affinity with all three, had an edge. But the name Antonio Heguy, with whom Camilo had shared a winning team in England’s British Open, also surfaced. There was even talk of reviving the old La Dolfina team with Mac Donough for a “last dance”. Various hypotheses floated around.
Family Decision
A week before the final, after discussing it, Jeta asked Poroto to see if their father wanted to play with them. “I want to play with my uncle,” he told Lolo. “Whatever you decide,” responded their father. This began to materialize the dream that Cambiaso mentioned in December 2019 at an Argentine Olympic Committee celebration: playing with his son and nephews. It was a bombshell for 2025: the Castagnola and Cambiaso families joining forces in a dream team.
Jeta Castagnola Reflects
This cousin team has been talked about for years. When did you decide it was time to play with Poroto?
“We all really wanted to do it and knew it would happen eventually. But he was in his team and we were in ours, both top teams where you need to focus on maximizing your chances and thinking about your own path. Fortunately, now is the time. That moment has come.”
The fourth spot was supposedly up for Lukín Monteverde, Antonio Heguy, or someone else. How did Adolfito, your uncle, end up being the choice?
“We got together with Poro and Barto, talked it over, and thought it would be best to play with Adolfito. He continues to show he’s at a top level. For me, he remains the best. So it’s going to be great to play with him, we’ll enjoy it a lot, and I think his experience on the field will really elevate us.”
There’s also a generational aspect. You and Barto and Poroto can play together for many years, but Adolfito might only have a year or two left. Would it have been a missed opportunity if this chance hadn’t come together?
“Anything could have happened, but it turned out this way and now we obviously have to enjoy it to the fullest. We’re going to be playing with the best polo player in history.”
What do you envision for the team’s style of play? You and your brother have shown you can win championships with anyone. Now, you’re teaming up with two other extraordinary players.
“Yes, absolutely. The two Cambiasos are incredible, what they do on the field and also with the horses in day-to-day life is remarkable. We’ll see how Adolfito organizes us on the field. I think it will all come together naturally.”
He doesn’t have much to tell you…
“Yes, but it will be useful, very useful. He has played at this level for many years and knows exactly what to do. We don’t have as many years at this level and obviously we’ll be listening to him a lot.”
Full article in Spanish www.lanacion.com
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