Balwin Padel, a division of JSE-listed property developer Balwin Properties, opened four new padel courts at its Thaba Eco Lifestyle Centre, in Gauteng, at the end of April.

The sports centre now has six padel courts available to residents of the Thaba Eco Estate and to the public. Players can rent rackets and balls at the facility.

Balwin Foundation joint MD for sport Ryan Kalk explained during a media day on May 8 that the Willy Lahoz Padel Academy is now open, with Lahoz, who has won two world championships, to host coaching clinics for corporates, individuals and groups countrywide over his three-year contract.

Kalk noted that Balwin Sport aims to coach padel to underprivileged players to increase their exposure to the sport.

“The barrier to entry of padel itself is high because of the costs and Balwin wants to change that. We want to open it up to the mass market, not just the high end of the market, but open it up to the full market to enjoy and hopefully find that next African champion and hopefully Willy can coach that next African champion,” he said.

To this end, a large emphasis of Lahoz’s tenure in South Africa will be on identifying and developing underprivileged players with talent, as previously reported by Engineering News.

Balwin Sport, which aims to promote a healthier lifestyle among clients, staff and all South Africans, will also add an indoor padel facility at its latest residential development, Shongweni Eco Park at the Westown development, close to Hillcrest in outer west Durban.

The 1 260-apartment eco estate will be developed in 25 phases over the next five years.

Additionally, Balwin Sport will host and sponsor R1-million in prize money for a padel tournament later this year. The tournament will take place at the Thaba Eco Estate.

Kalk said Balwin was looking forward to building and opening more padel facilities.

Last month, it announced that it would have nearly 30 padel courts across the country by 2025, including six that are being built at the Mall of Africa and which are expected to be open to the public by September 1.