Latest news with #SouthAfricanInvitational
The Citizen
01-08-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Big league global Padel event comes to SA
The South African Invitational is being billed as the largest professional Padel event on the continent to date. Padel fans are in for a treat next month. International court stars head to the Wanderers Stadium to showcase the growing sport. The hybrid game between tennis and squash keeps gaining momentum locally as courts, enthusiasts and clubs multiply annually. Twelve professionally ranked players from Spain and Argentina will be taking to a purpose-built court at the cricket ground. The South African Invitational takes place between 15 and 17 August. Headliners include Padel pros Agustín Tapia, Arturo Coello, Juan Lebrón, Ale Galán and Fernando Belasteguín. The format matches the lifestyle element of the game, and the matches will be team-based. The three-day event also promises a full-scale fan experience. It's complete with matches, local talent, activations, meet-and-greets, live DJs, and food stalls. 'This isn't just about sport. It's a celebration of Padel in a format that's never been seen before in South Africa,' organisers said. A first for South African Padel According to Mohammed Saloojee of the South African Invitational, timing was everything. 'We believe that the time is right. The opportunity to bring these players to South Africa was not one we could pass up,' he said. 'Understanding the global Padel landscape, the busy international calendar, and a host of big money events coming up all over the place meant that if we didn't take the opportunity now, it would be unaffordable next year.' Also Read: Trending: We're hooked on Padel The team-based format is not unfamiliar to pro players, but it's expected to offer something fresh for local fans, said Saloojee. 'All of our leagues that have been run in South Africa are team-based, so we know the excitement that it creates. We believe fans worldwide are going to be enthralled, especially wanting to see how unlikely combinations or never-to-be-seen-again pairs play together.' The South African Invitational is being billed as the largest professional Padel event on the continent to date. 'The only other high-profile international Padel event in Africa is the New Giza P2 in Egypt, and even that doesn't always guarantee the best players sign up. So, this event is a landmark. It puts the African continent into focus, signalling that Padel is healthy and prospering in Africa.' It's the largest Padel event in Africa Efforts to grow the game at home are woven into the event. Each day will kick off with the SA Championship, a national tournament featuring 24 of the country's top players. The local final will play out on Sunday between the international fixtures. 'It gives our local players the opportunity to rub shoulders with the international stars, share a change room. Also, to learn as much as they can from these players,' Saloojee said. 'Our dream is to produce the talent in SA that can compete with the best in the world.' The tournament is intended to spark greater Padel momentum. 'We believe that this is the start of something bigger. This event is almost like our audition,' said Saloojee. 'We need the public to come out and support it. We want to make this a truly unforgettable experience. And to signal to the world that South Africa, and Africa, is ready to host the best that Padel has to offer.' Tickets are available through the Ticketpro website. Now Read: The world's fastest-growing sport has arrived – Meet Padel!
IOL News
24-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
The Hangout: Padel fever hits SA as global stars are ready to shine at SA Invitational
You might be surprised to learn that padel didn't actually begin in Spain, as many people assume. By people I mean me and I also thought it's probably only been around for maybe five or ten years. Yes, I know I need to brush up on my sports knowledge a bit. In fact, the sport was born in Mexico in 1969, thanks to the inventive Enrique Corcuera, who decided to blend elements of tennis and squash into something completely new. Spain quickly embraced it in the 1970s, but curiously, South Africa only really caught the padel bug around three years ago. Since then, the sport has taken off like wildfire across the country. South Africa is also about to host one of its biggest padel events yet. The 360 Padel/Gayle- SA Invitational is coming to the beautiful DP World Wanderers Stadium this August, bringing none other than World Number One champions Arturo Coello and Agustín Tapia to our shores. This star-studded event promises to be nothing short of spectacular. Earlier this month, an exclusive media launch for the South African Padel Invitational gathered press and insiders for a sneak peek into what fans can expect. There was plenty of buzz around the sport's growth, with conversations centred on making padel more accessible across all communities and even early whispers of female international champions potentially joining future tournaments. Adding to the excitement is a bold new team-based format that will shake things up. Twelve top players will be split into two squads: Team Lebron and Team Galán, each led by the superstar captains themselves. Over the course of three thrilling days, spectators will be treated to electrifying matches as players are reshuffled for each game. Expect surprising partnerships, fierce rivalries and world-class action at every turn. 'This isn't just a tournament - it's a celebration of padel's arrival on the African mainstage,' says Sarfraz Bismilla, spokesperson for the South African Invitational. 'We're bringing the world's biggest names to one of the most iconic venues in the country and giving local fans an unforgettable experience.' Match Highlights Not to be Missed: Friday: Galán vs Lebron – The opening night's match of the day Saturday: Coello vs Tapia – A fierce rivalry redefined Sunday: Galán and Coello vs Tapia and Lebron – The ultimate showdown Whether you're a padel enthusiast or just a little curious, this is one event you won't want to miss. Grab your tickets and more info at and prepare for a weekend of pure sporting magic.
The Citizen
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
SA Padel Invitational brings padel's biggest stars to SA shores
South Africa is swinging open the doors to the world of padel with its first-ever South African Padel Invitational, a milestone the organisers say will inspire a new generation of local players. Announced at an exclusive launch event on July 10 at Wanderers, the invitational will see 12 of the world's top-ranked padel players competing on local courts over five weeks, giving fans rare front-row access to the fast-growing sport. Mohammed Saloojee, from the SA Padel Invitational organising committee, said: 'Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we launch the South African Invitational, for the first time on the African continent.' Also read: Discovery Padel Courts hosts exciting event for padel beginners He added that they are bringing Artur Oruelo, Augustin Tapia, and 17-time world champion Fernando 'Bela' Belasteguín, among other superstars. 'This is more than just a tournament; it's a statement that we belong on the world stage.' Padel, which combines elements of tennis and squash, is one of the world's fastest-growing sports, with a diverse player base in South Africa. Sarfraz Bismilla pointed out that it is fantastic that they have got children as young as 14 playing with adults in their late 60s. 'The age group averages about 32, almost evenly split between men and women. It breaks the boundaries we see in other sports.' Also read: Padel sport launched at Morningside Country Club The invitational will run like a mini-world cup, with group stages, nail-biting quarterfinals, and a high-stakes final. Fans can tune in via livestream to put their questions directly to the stars. Mohammed Majam, also on the organising team, said choosing a venue large enough was a challenge. 'There was no indoor venue that could hold this, so, it's an honour to host it on the sacred grounds of our biggest local facility. This isn't just about sport; it's a weekend festival with DJs, entertainment, and the world's best padel talent.' Event details: August 15 to 17 at the DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
