Sunbet Padel Invitational Heads to Sun City in November
The Sunbet Padel Invitational is returning for its third edition on 14 and 15 November 2026, bringing former sporting legends, professional athletes, media personalities and content creators together for two days of competition and entertainment at Sun City.
Johannesburg, 12 October 2026 — Founded by media personality and entrepreneur Kriya Gangiah in partnership with Sunbet, the tournament has established itself as a meeting point for sport, entertainment and lifestyle. Following previous editions in Pretoria and Durban, the event moves to Sun City for its biggest instalment yet, with Heineken® 0.0 joining as the official beer partner.
Sporting Legends and Celebrities Take to the Court
The confirmed line-up features several familiar names from South African sport, including former Springboks Morne Steyn, Juandré Kruger and Wynand Olivier.
Former Bafana Bafana players Mark Fish, Stanton Fredericks, Shaun Bartlett, Andre Arendse, Bongani Khumalo and Gavin Lane will also compete, alongside former Proteas cricketer Paul Adams, professional footballer Tristan Moses and Springbok Women scrumhalf Rumandi Potgieter.
The entertainment and media contingent includes Stacey Holland, Jonathan Boynton-Lee, Roxy Burger, Sasha Martinengo, Worship Freemantle, Nolo Pongolo, Claudia Henkel, Tansey Coetzee, Layla Arrison, Arno Jordaan, Chad Jones, Chadwell Goodgall, Dimitri Leontakianakis, Phila Sixaba and Michael Morton.
Padel specialists Debbie Van Aswegan and Hanns Spangenberg will bring additional experience to the courts, adding to a line-up that combines sporting credentials with celebrity appeal.
Public Invited to Play Alongside the Stars
The Sunbet Padel Invitational is opening the experience to more than just invited players. Members of the public can register for an opportunity to share the court with some of South Africa’s sporting and entertainment personalities.
Interested players can register at padelinvitational.co.za for a chance to take part in the tournament and test their skills against a star-studded line-up.
Founder Kriya Gangiah says moving the event to Sun City marks an important step forward for the tournament.
“We wanted the third Sunbet Padel Invitational to feel like a real step up, and taking the event to Sun City gives us exactly that,” says Gangiah.
She adds that the response to the first two editions demonstrated the appeal of seeing familiar faces from sport and entertainment compete in a different environment. The 2026 edition will build on that momentum with a new destination, a bigger line-up and two days of competition.
Free Spectator Entry at Sun City
Fans who prefer to watch the action can also attend the tournament, with free spectator entry available through online registration.
The event offers an opportunity to experience the competition, connect with familiar personalities and enjoy the atmosphere at Sun Padel, Sun City. Visitors should note that entry into Sun City is also required.
Sunbet Padel Invitational 2026: Event Details
- Dates: 14–15 November 2026
- Time: 08:00–17:00 daily
- Venue: Sun Padel, Sun City
- Entry: Free for spectators, subject to registration and Sun City entry requirements
- Player and spectator registration: www.padelinvitational.co.za
The Sunbet Padel Invitational is presented in partnership with Sunbet, Sun City, Heineken, Lepas and Jacaranda FM.
For further information and registration details, visit padelinvitational.co.za (https://www.padel
