Padel sport takes over in South Africa
4 min read
Padel being played
Padel, a sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, is rapidly gaining popularity in South Africa, following a global surge in interest. Originating in Mexico in 1969, the sport has become a significant phenomenon, and South Africa is now catching the “padel bug.” From humble beginnings, padel is quickly becoming a mainstream sport across the country, drawing enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.
A charity padel competition in Cape Town’s Paarden Eiland is just one example of the sport’s rise. This event, held by Padel4Good, a non-profit organization, aims to raise funds for various South African charities. “Padel4Good brings people together to support a great cause,” says Kathleen Barker, one of the organization’s key members. The charity raises thousands of rands for those in need through its regular events. Barker explains that padel has proven to be a great way to unite communities, much like other popular South African sports, such as rugby. The tournament brings together a mix of competitive spirit and social good, and for players like Karen van Huyssteen and Danelle Pieterse, it’s also about supporting a worthy cause. “The charity is amazing, and the organizers are incredible. It’s always a pleasure to play,” says van Huyssteen, reflecting the positive atmosphere surrounding the sport.
Padel’s rapid growth in South Africa is striking. Africa Padel, located in Claremont, Cape Town, is one of over 200 padel clubs in the country, offering access to more than 600 courts, according to the International Padel Federation (FIP). Just five years ago, the sport was virtually unknown in South Africa, but now, the country boasts over 100,000 players.
The COVID-19 pandemic is often credited with giving padel a significant boost. Luke Potter, a founder of the South African Padel Association, suggests that the pandemic’s restrictions on traditional sports facilities opened up opportunities for padel. “During COVID, people couldn’t go to tennis or squash courts, but gymnasiums were allowed to stay open at certain times. That led many to discover padel, particularly at venues like The Bay Hotel in Cape Town, which had an indoor court,” he explains. This sudden exposure to padel contributed to its rapid growth across the nation.
Padel’s appeal in South Africa can also be attributed to its accessibility, particularly for beginners. Bridget Visee, a padel coach, explains that the sport is easy to learn and play, making it an attractive option for people of all ages and abilities. “It’s a combination of squash and tennis. You play off the glass, volleying and lobbing, with the goal of winning the net. It’s a fun, social game that’s simple to pick up,” she says. The sport’s simplicity and social nature have made it a favorite among South Africans, from beginners to more advanced players.
Sarah Power, a player who has been active in the sport for two years, highlights how padel provides both a great workout and a social experience. “What I love most is that it’s a fantastic way to exercise, but it’s also very social. It’s the best of both worlds,” she says.
In response to growing demand, the Virgin Active Padel Club in South Africa plans to expand from 65 courts to nearly 100 by mid-2025. Elian Wiener, director of the club, emphasizes that while the sport is still in its early stages in the country, it is clear that padel is growing quickly. “We’ve seen a significant increase in players—over 100,000 already. The sport is still young here, but the numbers are already impressive,” he says.
Wiener also notes that the sport is expanding beyond just wealthy metro areas, with padel clubs springing up in smaller towns and rural regions. This expansion is helping padel reach a broader socio-economic range of players. “Padel is not just for the affluent anymore. We’re seeing a diverse group of people from different backgrounds embracing the sport,” he adds.
This rapid growth is not unique to South Africa. According to FIP, the global padel market has experienced a staggering 240% increase in the number of courts between 2021 and 2024, reflecting the sport’s worldwide surge in popularity.
As padel continues to grow in South Africa and beyond, it is clear that the sport has found a loyal and expanding following. Its combination of accessibility, social atmosphere, and fitness benefits make it a compelling option for players across various demographics. As new clubs and courts open, it’s likely that padel will continue its rapid ascent in popularity, becoming a mainstay in the sports culture of South Africa and around the world.
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