All is set for the inaugural First Capital Bank Padel Tournament, which gets underway in Harare on Saturday, as organisers seek to accelerate the growth of the emerging sport in Zimbabwe. The two-day tournament will be held at Stable Sports in Borrowdale and will feature men’s and women’s doubles, with US$2 500 in prize money on offer.
The top two teams in each category will also earn the right to represent Zimbabwe at the FMBCapital Group Regional Padel Grand Final in Botswana on Sept. 26 and 27.
First Capital Bank said the tournament was part of its broader investment in sport and community development, building on its five-year sponsorship of the Zimbabwe Junior Golf Open.
The bank’s head of marketing and communication, Fadzai Marowa, said the move into padel was a continuation of its commitment to developing sporting talent and creating opportunities.
“At First Capital Bank, we believe that sport has the power to inspire excellence, unite communities and create lasting opportunities,” Marowa said.
“Our investment in the First Capital Bank Padel Tournament builds on the success of the Zimbabwe Junior Golf Open and reflects our long-term commitment to supporting impactful sporting platforms that develop talent, strengthen relationships and position Zimbabwe on the regional sporting stage.”
Padel, which combines elements of tennis and squash, is still relatively new in Zimbabwe but has grown rapidly internationally.
The sport is usually played in doubles on an enclosed court smaller than a standard tennis court, with glass and mesh walls forming part of the playing area.
Organisers said the tournament was intended to provide a competitive platform while encouraging wider participation and developing local talent.
The regional final in Botswana will give Zimbabwe’s top players an opportunity to compete against leading players from across the FMBCapital footprint.
The tournament will be played in a knockout format and is open to participants aged 18 and above. Entry costs US$15 per person or US$30 per team.
The competition concludes Sunday with the First Capital Bank Padel Prize Giving Sundowner and Client Interaction, bringing together finalists, clients, partners and invited guests.
First Capital Bank said the closing event would celebrate the winners while providing an opportunity for networking and relationship-building.
For a sport still establishing itself in Zimbabwe, the tournament is expected to provide an important platform for organised growth and give local players a pathway to regional competition.-newsday
