Padel, the fast-growing racquet sport that has been sweeping across international cities, is now making its mark in South Africa, not just as a sport, but as a lifestyle.
And Stella Artois is tapping into that lifestyle. In a seamless fusion of sport, style, and social culture, Stella Artois served up more than just premium beer at the launch of the Stella Artois Racquet Club. Held at the elegant Sass Café in Bedfordview.
“Stella Artois has always aligned with moments that are intentional,” stylish, said Estee Burger, Marketing Manager at Stella Artois and shared, “with the Racquet Club, we’re creating an on-trend, vibrant social experience, a fresh, lifestyle-driven way for our community to connect through the fast-growing world of padel.”
Celebrities took to the court to battle it out, including actor Thapelo Mokoena, musicians Shekhinah, Lloyiso, JR, Nadia Nakai, Thabsie, and Langa Mavuso, and it was as much a fashion moment as it was a sporting one, and it was hosted by the ever-charismatic TV host, Kuhle Adams.
The event also introduced South Africa’s first lifestyle padel guide, a curated edit of Gauteng’s most culturally relevant and design-forward racquet clubs.
However, the guide was just the entry point. The Racquet Club itself has been conceptualised as a membership-style platform, one that speaks to a new generation of lifestyle enthusiasts who value experiences over excess.
“This isn’t just about play,” said actor Thapelo Mokoena after stepping off the court. “It’s about how we live and belong—connected, expressive, and active. On the court, it’s as much about camaraderie as it is about competition! Most of all, sharing a slice of life with amazing energies that bring out the best in you.”
The event also introduced a limited-edition fashion capsule collaboration by design visionary Keneilwe Mothoa, merging form and function in a look that redefines sport-luxury for a new generation.
How the Stella Artois collaboration came to life
“I’ve worked with Stella Artois for a few years now on various projects like the hut that was showcased at Decorex Africa, which we later did a lunch for sponsored by Stella and then the meadow project, which was also sponsored by them. They have always been active in projects that I bring their way, and they always support my ideas. We have a beautiful relationship/partnership that has blossomed over the years.”
The inspiration behind the racquet club, and why teaming up with Keneilwe just made sense
Estee says, “The Stella Artois Racquet Club was born from a simple but powerful belief: that leisure is worth more. It’s not just about rest or sport – it’s about how we live with intention, and surround ourselves with beauty, culture and connection. Collaborating with Keneilwe felt natural – her work embodies presence, purpose, and a strong visual identity. She designs with meaning and originality, and together we were able to bring something bold and fashion-forward to the courtside, while still staying rooted in local culture. When everything comes together, the sport, the capsule, the setting, it creates what we at Stella call the perfect serve: an experience where lifestyle.”
Also see: More than a human race: Why people run the Comrades
