Africa Padel is bringing the world’s fastest-growing sport – played in over 60 countries and by more than 10 million people – to Africa.
A South African-Swedish business consortium is serving up a feast of a new kind of tennis like never seen before on the African continent.
Strictly speaking, it’s not tennis. It’s known as Padel, a hybrid between tennis and squash, and it’s universally referred to as the fastest growing sport in the world, with more than 10 million people playing in over 60 countries. Now Africa Padel is giving those on the African continent the opportunity to be part of the global phenomenon.
Our clubs are the social part of padel, where padel players and spectators can socialise with other like-minded people, make new friends or expand business networks by creating new connections, while having fun through a shared passion for padel and healthy lifestyles on and off the court. There is no better way to build sustainable, lifelong business relationships than through a shared interest.
Padel is a mixture of “tennis with walls” and “squash in the sun,” and with the World Padel Championship scheduled for 2021, it may become an Olympic sport by 2024!
Padel is currently most popular in Spain, Sweden, Portugal, United Kingdom, Argentina and Mexico – where Enrique Corcuera invented the sport of padel in Acapulco in 1969.
It can be played in groups of mixed ages and abilities as it is not dominated by strength, technique or serve. An important skill is match-craft, as points are won by strategy instead of by sheer strength and power. It is played mainly in a doubles format on an enclosed court, surrounded by walls of glass and metallic mash about a third of the size of a tennis court. The rules are broadly the same as tennis, although you serve underhand and the walls are used as part of the game with the ball allowed to bounce off them like with squash.
Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis. The rules allow for the use of the back and sidewalls, which results in longer rallies then in a conventional tennis match. Points are won through strategy rather than by strength and power. You play the best of 3 or 5 sets, and in each set, you have to win 6 games. In a match, points are counted as follows: 0, 15, 30, 40, game. If the score is 40-40, you must win by two points for the game to be decided.
In one set, it is important to come first to 6 won games. If, on the other hand, the score is 5-5, you play to 7 won games. If the score is 6-6, you play a decisive game, called a tie break. Tie break is first played to 7 won points, where you must also win by at least 2 points.
A padel racket is short, stringless and has an elastic face surface perforated by a pattern of holes. The top brands are Adidas, Head, Wilson, Nox, Bullpadel and Babolat.
Padel shoes are similar to tennis shoes but provide ankle support and rubber reinforcements to provide durability.
Padel balls have less pressure, so the ball bounces less than a tennis ball. Tennis balls have higher pressure and bounce more than the padel balls. Moreover, the size of a padel ball is a little bit smaller and softer than a tennis ball.
When you are about to receive a ball, you can let it bounce up against the glass wall after it as bounced on the ground, the ball is then still alive. You can also use your glass wall to hit the ball back – it can be useful if you end up in a tight situation. The grid may only bounce the ball up when receiving a ball, the ball is then alive if it first bounces on the ground and then upon the grid (this does not apply to serve). If you hit the ball in the grid on your side, you lose the ball. On its side, the rule is that you may only use the glass wall if the ball goes directly into your opponent’s grid/glass, i.e. does not bounce on the ground first, the ball is counted as out.
The serve is underarm, and the ball should be hit at, or below, waist height. Instead of throwing the ball, as you do in tennis, you should bounce the ball on the ground. The bounce must be behind its server window and between the centre line and the sidewall. The serve should go diagonally and bounce in the opponent’s opposite server box. The serve is also valid if it bounces up against the opponent’s glass wall, but if it bounces up in the opponent’s grid, it is incorrect. Just like in tennis, you have a first serve and a second serve, i.e. if you miss your first serve, you have another chance. If you also miss the second serve, there will be a double error and the points will go to the opponent. If the ball at the serve touches the net before it enters, it must be turned over.
info@africapadel.com
+27 63 960 9784 / +27 82 604 7168
The Bay Hotel, The Rotunda, 60 Victoria Road, Cape Town
info@africapadel.com
021 000 0000
Campsbay Retreat, 7 Chilworth Road, Cape Town
info@africapadel.com
021 000 0000
1-3 Marina Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
ruben@africapadel.com
+27 72 583 0655
131 Holkam Road, Paulshof, Johannesburg
info@africapadel.com
+27 21 784 2111
177 Clovelly Road, Clovelly, Fish Hoek, Cape Town, 7975
info@africapadel.com
021 000 0000
Constantia Main Rd, Alphen, Cape Town, 7806
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A serial entrepreneur, founder of Africa Padel, the Kiwi Collection and creator of the VISA Luxury Hotel Collection, with an unparalleled knowledge of fine hotels and more than 20 years of experience in marketing, sales, branding and web design. Philippe has visited more than 2,000 hotels in over 140 countries and is renowned among the travel industry’s elite. In 2009 he created the VISA Luxury Hotel Collection for VISA’s premium cardholders, an initiative that launched in 145 countries, was translated into 10 languages and is now one of VISA’s core card benefits. In 2012 the brand for Hotel Insider was conceived and in 2015, PK’s List launched Subjective Travel Intelligence™️, a bespoke Travel Advisory Service, complemented with an app available on the App Store under PK’s List. Philippe’s hotel expertise has made him a go-to resource for all, from CEOs of leading companies, Royals, UHNWI and celebrities.
He’s a CA (SA) and has held various senior positions, both financial and general management at large corporates as well as smaller ‘subsidiary’ companies. He led an MBO of a troubled business out of Datatec Ltd many years ago and turned it around within a year. The business was subsequently invested in by Dimension Data. He exited this business approximately eight years ago and has invested in a few tech businesses in Cape Town since moving down from Johannesburg seven years ago. He likes the strategic involvement as well as the hands-on aspect of business and is an avid tennis player.
Nick is originally from the east coast but really enjoys his time in The Cape. He has spent most of his career in the retail and wholesale industries working various roles within the finance function. As a CIMA associate, he offers the team a slightly different view in the day-to-day business discussions. Outside of work you can find him watching almost any sport or relaxing on the golf course.
Boris is a family man and sports lover. He is a developer and project manager with over 30 years experience in the construction industry. He has built service stations and convenience stores for the oil industry as well as having built high end luxury homes, lodges and commercial buildings. He has also built numerous projects in Africa mainly Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique and Tanzania.
Luke sits on the South African Padel Association’s board and is the President of the Africa Padel Association. Luke has held Sales and Marketing positions for over 20 years and has previously founded and been Managing Director of both Plush Promotions and Organized Chaos Experiential Events Agency. He has held various positions for Blue Chip Liquor Companies in SA, including National Sponsorship Manager and National Relationship Manager, and is MD of Sports Essence Online Shop and a guest lecturer on Sponsorships for Magnette Academy. Luke has played a number of sports at a high level.
Joe is a recent graduate of the University of Cape Town, having completed his Business Science (Marketing) Honours degree. Having been keenly involved in sport at school, Joe’s passion remains all aspects of physical activity. In 2021, he and two friends initiated the 4x4x48 Challenge, running 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours, raising over R170,000 for the Philippi Children’s Centre. This year, Joe is training for his first Cape Town Marathon. His personal attributes of focus, drive and boundless energy will stand him in good stead for the challenges opened up for him at Africa Padel.
A Technical Financial Accountant – CTFAIcb(SA), Hilda obtained her B-Com Financial Management/banking degree at TUKS. She started her career in the corporate world at PWC, and later worked in a senior role at PKF. 13 years ago, she left the corporate world to fulfil her dream of starting her own business in accounting. She loves the challenges of accounting and the finance world and working with people, and the reward of solving problems is why she has chosen this career. Making a difference and going the extra mile is part of who she is.
Ruben is a successful business owner and an enthusiastic tennis coach with more than ten years of experience. He is passionate about sports, working with people and making a difference.
Ruben aims to deliver all Africa Padel players with the best possible padel experience, whether playing a game, tournament or lesson training, to ensure that the game of padel continues to grow far and wide.
His life motto is; you never lose, you either win, or you learn, so make sure that you learn!
Josh has worked in the sales industry for the past 5 years in both fitness and IT industry, and is beyond
passionate about all sports and fitness activities. He is a goal driven person, who is very strategic and
particular in everything he does and plans to accomplish. His aim is to achieve the best experience and service to all people that are playing padel and who are being introduce to the amazing sport.
Matt is a true advocate of fitness and health, with considerable experience in such industry having been a personal trainer and fitness manager. His communication, organisation, and leadership skills enable him to effectively oversee the day-to-day operations of the business from sales to clientele.
Matt aims to create a platform such that padel will be recognised across all age groups as a community that appreciates and promotes the sport.
Craig Stanley is an Investment Banker turned founder of utility scale renewable energy companies RE Capital and CEO of Atlantic Renewable Energy Partners. Craig is also currently the CEO and CIO of diversified Investment Company Scofish, a director of Talhado Fishing Enterprises as well as a founder of European property storage company Storesmart. Craig has previously founded and exited various companies in the South African financial services sector. He has worked in Asset Management and Investment Banking for Hermes as well as the Investec Group and was instrumental in over 20 South African and International listings.
Fabrice Pastor is a Monegasque entrepreneur, CEO of Monte Carlo International Sports, the club Tennis Padel Soleil located outside of Monaco and former professional padel player. Fabrice is also the owner of the APT Padel Tour, Fabrice Pastor Cup and president of the Continental American Padel Federation. His other initiatives include, the construction of padel complexes; the development of the Monegasque Padel Association and Federation Sportive de Padel (Monaco).
Hans Otterling has been the General Partner of Northzone since 2006. Northzone has raised nine funds to date and has €1.5 billion under management. The portfolio includes companies like Spotify, Avito, MarketInvoice, Klarna, and iZettle with offices in London, New York, and Stockholm. He founded StreamServe Inc. in 1995, (backed by Apax London) grew to one of the largest private software companies in Europe, sold to OpenText (Nasdaq). Hans also founded Waymaker, AB revolutionised the field of Investor Relations in Scandinavia, sold to Cision (NasdaqOMX).
Philippe Kjellgren is a serial entrepreneur, founder of Africa Padel, the Kiwi Collection and creator of the VISA Luxury Hotel Collection, with more than 20 years of experience in marketing, sales, branding and web design. He has visited more than 2,000 hotels in over 140 countries and is renowned among the travel industry’s elite. In 2015, he launched PK’s List – Subjective Travel Intelligence™️, a bespoke Travel Advisory Service, complemented with an app available on the App Store under PK’s List. Philippe’s hotel expertise has made him a go-to resource for all, from CEOs of leading companies, Royals, UHNWI and celebrities.
Pierre du Preez is a Director of Sutton Place, an advisory firm responsible for part of the assets of the US-based Getty Family Office. He has been instrumental in establishing an Indian Real Estate Fund, and in backing Sesfikile Capital – one of the leading listed property asset managers in South Africa. Pierre is a partner of All Seasons Venture Partners, which focuses on investing in global venture funds on behalf of African institutional clients. Pierre is a non-executive Director of All Seasons Capital Management and AndBeyond, one of the leading luxury experiential eco-tourism businesses.
Risto Silander has worked 20 years in the investment banking industry holding senior positions within Svenska Handelsbanken, Goldman Sachs, UBS and Alfred Berg. Risto was previously CEO of Alfred Berg and is currently a director on the boards of Stronghold Invest AB, Niam AB, Varenne AB, Brevan Howard Funds, Endeavour Pembroke Funds and listed company Magnolia Bostad AB. Risto holds a business degree from the Stockholm School of Economics and has studied finance on the MBA programme at Stern Business School, NYU.
Robert Hersov is an entrepreneur, senior executive and private investor. He serves as Chairman and CEO of Invest Africa, Chairman of African Capital Investments, Chairman of AlternativeCapital, and deputy Chairman of VistaJet, and chairman of Aon Africa. Rob has been a member of many public and private boards and owns many companies in the resource, media/marketing, luxury and finance sectors. He is the founder of Invest Africa, African Capital Investments, The S-Group and Alternative Capital. Rob was also the driving force behind the Sapinda Group’s direct investments in sub-Saharan Africa.
Thomas Johansson is the General Director of APT Padel Tour and has over 20 years of experience as a former Swedish professional tennis player and tennis coach. He reached a career-high Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) world No. 7 singles ranking in 2002. His career highlights in singles include a Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in 2002, and an ATP Masters Series title at the 1999 Canada Masters. He also won a silver medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics in men’s doubles and remains the last man from Sweden to win a Grand Slam in singles.