Tana Malinga

South Africa’s sporting landscape is preparing for another defining moment as the countdown begins to the country’s first-ever Pretoria Premier Padel P1, an event that promises to showcase world-class competition while inspiring thousands of South Africans to embrace one of the fastest-growing sports on the planet.

More than simply hosting an international tournament, Pretoria will become the meeting place of global excellence and local ambition when the world’s finest padel stars arrive from 26 July to 2 August 2026. The tournament represents a milestone not only for South African sport but also for the continued rise of padel across the African continent.

That journey has already begun.
The excitement reached new heights at Net Set Padel in Sandton City, where South Africa’s brightest emerging players battled through a fiercely contested Wildcard Tournament for the opportunity of a lifetime. Every rally, every point and every victory carried the dream of stepping onto one of the biggest stages in international padel.

The women’s competition produced a memorable final as Linge Steenkamp and Zoe Kruger overcame Marne Roos and Debbie van Aswegen 7-6, 6-4 to secure their place in the Pretoria Premier Padel P1 main draw. Their triumph now gives them the opportunity to compete alongside some of the greatest names in world padel, proving that South African talent is ready to challenge the very best.

The men’s division delivered equally gripping action. Richard Ashforth and Luan Krige fought back to defeat Adam Van Harte and Warren Kuhn 6-7, 6-3, 6-4 in a thrilling final. Together with runners-up Van Harte and Kuhn, as well as Jason Blakey-Milner and Egmond van Heerden, the country’s leading competitors have earned their places in the prestigious main draw.

The dream remains alive for several more South Africans. Roos and Van Aswegen, along with Aidan Carrazedo, Tremayne Mitchell, Jason Hewitt and Chevaan Davids, have secured places in the qualifying rounds, where another opportunity awaits to join the sport’s elite on centre court.

Yet the weekend celebrated far more than winning matches.

A new generation of young sports enthusiasts also stepped into the spotlight during the official Ball Kid Trials.

Participants were assessed on fitness, teamwork, concentration, professionalism and composure under pressure, qualities that build future leaders both on and off the court.

The programme offers far more than a tournament experience. It opens doors for young people to develop confidence, discipline and responsibility while working alongside the world’s finest athletes during Africa’s biggest professional padel event.

According to Tobie Badenhorst, Vice-President of Primedia Sport and Official Tournament Promoter, the qualifying weekend reflected the remarkable growth of padel in South Africa and demonstrated that the country possesses the talent, passion and infrastructure to host one of the most significant tournaments on the international calendar.

Aadila Seedat, Founder of Padel Promises South Africa, said the Ball Kid Programme creates unforgettable opportunities for young participants to grow personally while becoming ambassadors for a sport that continues to capture the imagination of communities across the country.

As anticipation builds, Pretoria Premier Padel P1 is shaping up to become much more than a sporting spectacle. It represents hope for aspiring athletes, opportunity for young talent, and another powerful reminder that South Africa continues to earn its place among the world’s leading hosts of major international sporting events.

For sports lovers, families and newcomers alike, this is an invitation to witness history. Whether stepping onto the court for the first time or filling the grandstands to cheer every rally, the tournament promises unforgettable moments, electric atmosphere and world-class entertainment.

With millions of viewers expected to follow the action across international broadcast platforms, the eyes of the global sporting community will soon turn to Pretoria.

South Africa is ready, not only to welcome the world’s best padel players, but to inspire an entire nation to discover a sport whose future has never looked brighter.

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