By Sitha Maliwa:
The sound of rackets striking balls echoed through Sandton City this past weekend, but this was more than just another tournament. It was a glimpse into the future of South African padel – a future filled with ambition, opportunity, and world-class competition.
As anticipation builds for the historic Pretoria Premier Padel P1, the first-ever Premier Padel tournament to be hosted on South African soil, the nation’s brightest emerging stars battled fiercely for their chance to be part of sporting history.
From 12 to 14 June, Net Set Padel became the epicentre of South African padel as athletes from across the country arrived with one goal: earn their place among the world’s elite.
The stakes could not have been higher
For the winners, the reward was extraordinary – a direct entry into Pretoria Premier Padel P1, where they will stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the greatest players in international padel.
The women’s competition delivered drama from start to finish. In a thrilling final that had spectators on the edge of their seats, Linge Steenkamp and Zoe Kruger displayed nerves of steel to overcome Marne Roos and Debbie van Aswegen 7-6, 6-4.
Their victory was more than a trophy. It was a ticket to the main draw of South Africa’s most prestigious padel tournament ever.
The men’s final proved equally captivating
After dropping the opening set in a tense tie-break, Richard Ashforth and Luan Krige mounted a remarkable comeback, fighting their way to a hard-earned 6-7, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Adam Van Harte and Warren Kuhn.
The triumph secured their place in the main draw, while runners-up Van Harte and Kuhn, together with third-place finishers Jason Blakey-Milner and Egmond van Heerden, also earned qualification.
For these athletes, years of dedication, sacrifice, and relentless training have culminated in an opportunity few South Africans have ever experienced.
More Than a Tournament
According to Tobie Badenhorst, Vice-President of Primedia Sport and Official Tournament Promoter, the significance of the weekend extends far beyond qualification.
“This weekend represents far more than a qualification event; it is a reflection of the incredible momentum behind padel in South Africa.”
His words capture a sport experiencing explosive growth nationwide
As courts continue to emerge across the country and participation numbers rise, Pretoria Premier Padel P1 represents a defining moment – one that signals South Africa’s arrival on the global padel map.
The Next Generation Steps Forward
While the spotlight shone brightly on the players, another group of young hopefuls was quietly pursuing a dream of their own.
The official Ball Kid Trials attracted enthusiastic young athletes eager to earn a place at one of the biggest sporting events ever staged on African soil.
Participants were tested on far more than speed and fitness. Focus, teamwork, professionalism, court awareness, and the ability to perform under pressure all formed part of the rigorous evaluation process.
After two intense days of assessment, a shortlist of exceptional candidates has emerged
For many of these young participants, the opportunity offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience—to work alongside the world’s best players and gain an insider’s view of elite international sport.
“The enthusiasm, commitment and professionalism shown throughout the trials made the selection process incredibly rewarding,” said Aadila Seedat, Founder of Padel Promises South Africa.
Africa’s Biggest Padel Moment Approaches
With qualification battles now concluded and the final ball kid selections imminent, attention turns to Pretoria.
From 26 July to 2 August 2026, the world’s leading padel stars will descend on the South African capital for what promises to be a landmark event in African sport.
The tournament is expected to attract a global audience through international broadcast partners, including Red Bull TV, ESPN Africa, Disney+ South Africa and Canal+.
For South African padel, the countdown has truly begun
The dream is no longer on the horizon – it is here. And when the first ball is struck in Pretoria next month, local champions, aspiring young athletes, and an entire nation will stand at the centre of a historic moment that could transform the future of padel across Africa forever. – @NewsSA_Online
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