Amanda Dlamini leads list of celebs, sports veterans set to battle at Sunbet Padel Invitational
In collaboration with Sunbet, media personality Kriya Gangiah established the eagerly awaited Sunbet Padel Invitational, which will make its debut at Africa Padel Brooklyn in Pretoria on 22–23 February 2025.
South Africa's ever-expanding padel audience can finally look forward to a celeb-infused tournament early next year, solidifying the surprisingly popular sport. Picture credit: Supplied
JOHANNESBURG - Padel's soaring popularity in South Africa will be cemented this year, with a celebrity-filled competition for the sport's ever-growing fan base.
In collaboration with Sunbet, media personality Kriya Gangiah established the eagerly awaited Sunbet Padel Invitational, which will make its debut at Africa Padel Brooklyn in Pretoria on 22–23 February 2025.
This unique event will highlight padel's rising popularity in South Africa and include an exciting blend of sport, celebrity contact, and corporate engagement.
The Sunbet Padel Invitational gives regular padel players the unique chance to fight against a stellar cast of South African celebrities, media figures, and sports legends.
The Sunbet Padel Invitational's founder, Kriya Gangiah, commented on the stellar lineup, saying: "I'm incredibly excited to announce such an incredible roster of celebrities and sports legends for our inaugural event. Everyone may find something to enjoy at the Sunbet Padel Invitational, regardless of experience level. It's all about bringing people together. We are eager to get the event underway and share this thrilling experience with South African fans."
As the first invitational approaches, the following celebrities will be part of the competition:
Amanda Dlamini
Arno Jordan
Ashwell Prince
Bongani Khumalo
Charl McLeod
Claudia Henkel
Gcobani Bobo
Hanns Spangenberg
Jonathan Boynton-Lee
Juandré Kruger
Kuhle “Kooks” Sonkosi
Layla Arrison
Mark Fish
Michael Morton
Mika Abrahams
Monique Kruger
Morné Steyn
Pat Lambie
Paul Adams
Roxy Burger
Rudy Paige
Sasha Martinengo
Schalk Brits
Shaun Bartlett
Siv Ngesi
Stanton Fredericks
Teko Modise
Vanes Mari du Toit
Vernon Philander
Wynand Olivier
The first padel court was constructed in South Africa at the end of 2020, and by the end of 2022, there were 176 courts nationwide.
More than 100,000 South Africans currently participate in padel, and over 400 courts have been constructed nationwide as of last year April, according to Playtomic, the top booking site for the sport.
The padel market was estimated to be worth $327 million two years ago and is forecast to grow by 9.6% by 2027.