Cape Dreams News from in and around the Cape
HERMAN GIBBS
10 May 2024 – Hats off to the mighty South ladies’ padel team who swooped to claim R60 000 padel bonanza in the recent North-South showdown in Johannesburg.
This prodigiously talented team toppled the North team 19-17 in their backyard where they overcame the twin intimidation of energy-sapping high-altitude conditions and fanatic hometown support.
This 12-member team includes a host of qualified tennis and padel coaches, several of whom were No 1s at some stages of their vast sporting careers.
Two of them are on the staff of the Gstaad Palace Roy Emerson Tennis Weeks, which for the past nine years have been voted the world’s No. 1 tennis resort camps.
Some players were No 1s in national tennis singles and doubles, as well as a former SA Schools No 1.
Two of the players played on the Ladies’ Pro tour.
One player reigned supreme as the No. 1 Under-18 and All-American while at the University of Oklahoma. Another was No. 1 at the University of Arizona.
There is also a former SA No 1 table tennis player who should have made it to the Olympic Games but for the dreaded quota system that decides the make-up of the SA team.
And then finally, there is one ex-squash pro who has whippet-like speed on the court.
Before departure, the team rallied to secure sponsorship as they plotted the opposition’s downfall.
Armed with the funky Grumpy Monkey Socks, the players were able to put their best foot forward when the need arose.
Their fleecy tops from adventure gear specialists Cape Union Mart allowed the team to excel in the heat of the moment.
And then Bullpadel and Africa Padel sponsored all the meals and secured practice time to adapt to the challenging high-altitude conditions.
Team captain Booth recalled the team’s all-out onslaught on Day 2 when victory was in sight.
“Armed with nothing but a padel, our Grumpy Monkeys and Revive (electrolytes) in the water bottles, the team pulled together like warriors on Day 2.
“Our objective was clear; each team wins 2/3 matches, and victory was ours! We came close to doing just that and did enough as a team to pull it off at the end of a R60 000 conquest!”
Team South’s victorious pairs were Lucinda Gibbs & Jackie Booth; Elizma Slabbert & Martie Wahl; Michelle Collins & Bridget Visee; Alexandra Fuller & Sacha West; Lara Sandler & Martine Krawitz Vogelman; Nannie de Villiers & Lauren Bacon.