Rob Forbes, Morné Steyn, Wynand Olivier, Juandre Kruger Charl Mc Leod, Kuhle 'Kooks' Sonkosi, Pat Lambie, and Vanes-Marie du T.Rob Forbes, Morné Steyn, Wynand Olivier, Juandre Kruger Charl Mc Leod, Kuhle 'Kooks' Sonkosi, Pat Lambie, and Vanes-Marie du T. Picture: Supplied

The highly-anticipated second edition of the Sunbet Padel Invitational is back this month, and for the very first time, it’s coming to Durban!

Set to take place on 10 and 11 July 2026 at Sun Padel Sibaya from 08:00 to 17:00, the event promises two days of thrilling padel action, celebrity glamour, and unforgettable fan experiences.

This year’s celebrity line-up is one of the strongest yet, featuring a mix of South African sports legends, media personalities, and entertainers including Siv Ngesi, Jonathan Boynton-Lee, Shaun Bartlett, Ashwell Prince, Stefan Terblanche, Nono Pongolo, Rupert Kaminski, Darren Keet, Roxy Burger, Stanton Fredericks, Bongani Khumalo, Mark Fish, Claudia Henkel, Wynand Olivier, Arno Jordaan, Chad Jones, Tristan Moses, Tansey Coetzee and Sed Pillay.

Following the success of its inaugural edition last year, the Sunbet Padel Invitational continues to showcase the meteoric rise of padel in South Africa, a sport that has quickly become one of the country’s fastest-growing recreational and competitive activities.

Schalk Brits, Morne Steyn, Charl Mc Leod and Ransley Padayachy. Picture: Supplied
Schalk Brits, Morne Steyn, Charl Mc Leod and Ransley Padayachy. Picture: Supplied
Claudia Henkel and Sasha Martinengo. Picture: Supplied
Claudia Henkel and Sasha Martinengo. Picture: Supplied
Kuhle 'Kooks' Sonkosi, Pat Lambie, Charl Mc Leod and Ransley Padayachy. Picture: Supplied
Kuhle ‘Kooks’ Sonkosi, Pat Lambie, Charl Mc Leod and Ransley Padayachy. Picture: Supplied
Kriya Gangiah. Picture: Supplied
Kriya Gangiah. Picture: Supplied

Durban debut marks a major milestone for the tournament

Reflecting on the upcoming event, Kriya Gangiah, founder of the Sunbet Padel Invitational, said:

“I am absolutely thrilled to bring this edition of the Sunbet Padel Invitational to Durban. Coming to the coast for the very first time is a massive milestone for us, and the energy we’re already seeing from the local community is incredible. To have such a legendary group of South African icons joining us on the court in such a beautiful setting is a dream come true for padel fans,” said Kriya.

Jonathan Boynton-Lee and Siv Ngesi. Picture: Supplied
Jonathan Boynton-Lee and Siv Ngesi. Picture: Supplied

More than a tournament

More than just a sporting event, the Sunbet Padel Invitational combines competitive padel, celebrity interactions and corporate engagement into a unique experience that celebrates connection, wellness and South Africa’s thriving padel community.

And do you want to know the best part? tickets are completely free!

Fans and spectators can register online at www.padelinvitational.co.za to secure their place at one of South Africa’s most exciting sporting and entertainment events.

Juandré Kruger and Kriya Gangiah. Picture: Supplied
Juandré Kruger and Kriya Gangiah. Picture: Supplied

Event details

Dates: 10 and 11 July 2026
Time: 08:00 – 17:00 daily
Venue: Sun Padel Sibaya, Durban
Tickets: Free entry (registration required)
Register: www.padelinvitational.co.za

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By Asanda Mbayimbayi

Asanda Mbayimbayi is an award-winning Lifestyle & Entertainment News Editor and Journalist celebrated for her dynamic voice in digital lifestyle, entertainment, and hard news journalism. Honoured with the Galliova People’s Hero 2025 Award for her authentic storytelling and powerful connection with audiences, she continues to redefine journalism with purpose, empathy, and impact. With an instinct for uncovering stories that resonate and a deep understanding of audience engagement, Asanda brings clarity, depth, and heart to every piece she crafts. Beyond the newsroom, she wears many hats — Researcher, Qualified Bible Teacher, Content Creator, Producer, Motivational Speaker, and Book Editor to name a few — using her creative and spiritual insight to inspire transformation through words. Whether leading editorial teams, producing meaningful content, or motivating audiences, Asanda stands as a storyteller driven by faith, purpose, and the power of narrative to connect and inspire.