The launch of the Stella Artois Racquet Club marks more than just a lifestyle moment - it signals a cultural shift. Blending fashion, movement, and community, the Racquet Club redefines what aspiration looks like.

Celebrities took to the court and culture took centre stage as Thapelo Mokoena, Shekinah, Lloyiso, JR, Nadia Nakai, and Thabsie served flair and finesse at the debut of the Stella Artois Racquet Club - an exclusive experience that brings the elegance of global tennis to local padel culture.

Set against the stylish backdrop of Sass Café in Bedfordview, Johannesburg, the event was hosted by the effervescent Kuhle Adams with a live set from DJ Mamthug and brought together numerous influencers and icons including Nadia Nakai, Jessica Mashaba, Lerato Mvelase, Mzukisi Mbane, Tamara Moeng, Manana, Thabsie and Sindiso Nyoni

The event also introduced South Africa’s first lifestyle padel guide - featuring Gauteng’s most culturally relevant and design-forward racquet clubs. But the Stella Artois Racquet Club is positioned as much more than a curated directory. It’s a membership-style platform: a new kind of social club for the modern lifestyle enthusiast. Members can access exclusive event invites, branded merchandise, early padel news, and venue guides - all rooted in leisure and layered with meaning.

“Stella Artois has always aligned with moments that are intentional, stylish, and shared,” said Estee Burger, Marketing Manager at Stella Artois. “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.”

While still in its early stages locally, padel is gaining rapid traction across South Africa. Industry insiders anticipate the sport could reach 2,500 courts and 500,000 players nationwide within the next couple of years.





“Padel is more than a sport - it’s a movement,” added Burger. “And this new club is about creating a cultural community around it. It’s about connection, fashion, health, and how we gather - a mirror of the elevated experiences we bring globally through tennis.”

Far from a typical sports event launch, the Stella Artois Racquet Club debut resembled a curated cultural showcase, with courtside DJ sets, and editorial-style photo moments. 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.

“This isn’t just about play,” said Actor Thapelo Mokoena after stepping off 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.”

JR and Roxy Burger won bragging rights for the day’s matches, with Lloyiso and Shekhinah as runners up.

The Stella Artois Racquet Club Guide will expand to additional metros in 2025, reinforcing Stella’s presence at the intersection of intentional leisure, contemporary sport, and social culture.

As part of Stella Artois’ ‘Perfect Serve’ platform, the Racquet Club draws a deliberate parallel between the perfectly served beer and the perfect serve in tennis. The ‘Perfect Serve’ celebrates Stella’s association with some of the world’s most prestigious tournaments - including Wimbledon, Roland Garros, the Miami Open, and, most recently, a partnership with the ATP Tour.