By Adnaan Mohamed
South African sport is preparing for another first. From 26 July to 2 August, Pretoria will host the country’s first professional Premier Padel tournament, with the world’s top players heading to the SunBet Arena at Time Square for a landmark event that could reshape the sport’s future across the continent.
The Pretoria Premier Padel P1 is the first tournament of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa, placing South Africa firmly on the global padel map while giving the country’s leading players the chance to test themselves against the world’s elite on home soil.
Richard Ashforth and Luan Krige lead the South African men’s challenge alongside Egmond van Heerden and Jason Milner, while Adam van Harte and Warren Kuhn complete the local representation in the main draw.
In the women’s event, wildcard winners Linge Steenkamp and Zoe Kruger have earned their place among the sport’s biggest names after impressive performances on the domestic circuit.
One of the tournament’s most intriguing stories belongs to 15-year-old Basma Ali. The teenager is the youngest player in the field and will compete alongside some of the world’s finest professionals, highlighting the rapid growth of padel in South Africa and the pathway emerging for the country’s next generation.
Away from the court, organisers have assembled a week-long entertainment programme designed to turn the tournament into a sporting festival.
Jonathan Boynton-Lee and Lebo Mokoena will host the event, with DJ Nick Explicit, tournament mascot Moyà and the Vibe Squad providing entertainment throughout the week.
Finals weekend promises even more star power. DJ Maphorisa headlines Friday’s quarter-finals, Timo ODV takes centre stage during Saturday’s semi-finals, while Sunday’s finals will feature performances by Chrizz Beatz and the Mzansi Youth Choir.
“The Pretoria Premier Padel P1 is much more than a tournament, it’s a defining moment for padel and for South African sport,” said Primedia Sport vice-president Tobie Badenhorst.
“For the first time, South African fans will experience the world’s best professional padel players competing on home soil, while our own athletes have the opportunity to measure themselves against the very best. We look forward to welcoming fans to what promises to be an unforgettable week of sport, entertainment and celebration.”
Fans unable to attend will still be able to follow the action live. ESPN will broadcast the tournament across Sub-Saharan Africa from 27 July to 2 August via DStv Channel 218, StarTimes Channel 248 and ESPN’s linear channels on Disney+ in South Africa.
The closing stages from 31 July to 2 August will also be streamed worldwide on Red Bull TV, with Canal+ carrying the tournament for French-speaking audiences.
With international stars, South Africa’s leading players and a packed entertainment programme sharing the spotlight, Pretoria is preparing to deliver far more than another sporting event. It is set to serve the opening point in what many hope will become padel’s biggest chapter on African soil.
