First Capital Bank Limited has announced the launch of the inaugural First Capital Bank Padel Tournament 2026, marking the Bank’s entry into one of the world’s fastest-growing sports and further cementing its commitment to developing sport as a platform for community engagement, talent development and national pride.
The two-day tournament will take place on 22 and 23 August 2026 at Stable Sports, 35A Kingsmead Road West in Borrowdale, Harare. It will feature Men’s and Women’s Doubles categories in a knockout format, with a total prize pool of US$2,500 up for grabs. Open to players aged 18 and above, the event will welcome both experienced competitors and aspiring athletes, with entry set at US$15 per person or US$30 per team. Registrations are now open online and early entry is encouraged due to limited places.
Beyond local honours, the tournament carries significant regional weight. The top two teams in both the Men’s and Women’s Doubles will earn the right to represent Zimbabwe at the FMBCapital Group Regional Padel Grand Final in Botswana on 26 and 27 September 2026. The regional finals will bring together the best teams from across the FMBCapital footprint, giving Zimbabwean players a chance to test themselves on a larger stage and showcase the country’s growing padel talent.
The launch of the tournament builds on First Capital Bank’s five-year track record as title sponsor of the Zimbabwe Junior Golf Open, an event that has grown into one of the region’s premier junior golfing competitions and has drawn young golfers from Zimbabwe and abroad. Through that platform, the Bank has played a consistent role in nurturing future sporting talent while positioning Zimbabwe as a destination for international junior sport. The padel tournament extends that strategy into a new and rapidly expanding sport.
Padel, which blends elements of tennis and squash, has gained global momentum for its fast-paced, social and accessible nature. Its popularity is also rising locally, and First Capital Bank is positioning the tournament not only as a competition but as a catalyst for the sport’s continued growth in Zimbabwe. The event is expected to attract players from across the country, introduce new audiences to padel, and create pathways for local athletes to compete beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
The Bank has framed the tournament as more than a sporting contest. It is designed as a relationship-building platform that brings together clients, partners, sporting enthusiasts and the wider community. The objectives include promoting healthy lifestyles and wellness, strengthening client and partner relationships, supporting emerging sports, showcasing Zimbabwean talent, and creating networking opportunities in a relaxed setting. The tournament will conclude on 23 August with the First Capital Bank Padel Prize Giving Sundowner and Client Interaction, an exclusive event for finalists, clients, partners and invited guests to celebrate the champions and foster connections beyond the court.
Speaking on the initiative, the Bank’s Head of Marketing and Communication said sport has the power to inspire excellence, unite communities and create lasting opportunities. The padel tournament, she noted, builds on the success of the Zimbabwe Junior Golf Open and reflects the Bank’s long-term commitment to supporting impactful sporting platforms that develop talent, strengthen relationships and position Zimbabwe on the regional sporting stage. Through such initiatives, First Capital Bank continues to demonstrate that its commitment extends beyond banking into the communities and passions that matter most to customers.
First Capital Bank describes the investment as part of a broader strategy to invest in sporting platforms that drive excellence and contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s sporting landscape. From its established support of junior golf to its new backing of padel, the Bank says it remains focused on developing platforms that inspire performance, support talent, and contribute to both the sporting and socio-economic development of the country.
As one of Zimbabwe’s leading commercial banks, First Capital Bank provides personal, business and corporate banking solutions guided by its Customer First philosophy and the belief that “Belief Comes First.” With media coverage invited across the launch, matches, finals, and prize giving, the inaugural padel tournament is set to serve as both a competitive showcase and a celebration of how corporate investment can help grow emerging sports in Zimbabwe.
