More women, stronger advanced fields and emerging junior talent point to a deepening
competitive padel scene in Kenya
Nairobi, Kenya, 1st September 2026: Derrick Ominde and Kennedy Musembi were crowned
Top Kenya champions at the Networks Open Season 2 after defeating Kian Shah and
Maxwell Kombo 6-3, 6-4 in the final, capping a competitive tournament that brought
together 240 players across nine categories at Networks Padel Village, Village Market.
Ominde and Musembi, playing together for the first time in a major tournament, delivered
one of the standout performances of Season 2. The victory was particularly significant for
Networks Padel Village, with Ominde also serving as one of the club’s in-house coaches. The
pair will now continue their partnership into upcoming International Padel Federation (FIP)
competition.
Other major winners included Ben and Karisa, who defeated Wiki and Derrick 6-0, 6-0 to
claim the Men’s Advanced title, while Sharon and Bella beat Shivani and Rachna 6-1, 6-1 to
take the Ladies Advanced crown. In Mixed Advanced, Seyanna Ladha and Kennedy Musembi
emerged victorious over Cheryl and Maxwell after a closely contested match that went to a
deciding super tie-break.
Beyond the results, Season 2 provided further indication of the growing depth of
competitive padel in Kenya. A total of 120 teams comprising 240 players took part, including
75 women and seven juniors. Networks Padel Village also recorded increased female
participation compared with Season 1 and a larger number of teams competing in the
advanced categories, signalling that more players are progressing into higher levels of
competition.
Emerging junior talent was also on display. Aahil and Luca, both aged under 15, competed in
the Open Beginner category against 20 teams, most comprising adult players, and finished
third. Sixteen-year-old Seyanna Ladha also continued to establish herself as one of the
young players to watch, competing at advanced level after recording wins in competitions
locally and internationally.
“Season 2 has shown us that Kenyan padel is no longer just about participation; it is about
building a competitive culture. The growth in player quality, intensity and commitment is
clear, and we are beginning to see players challenge themselves at a much higher level,”
said Steven ‘Serve King’ Austine, Tournament Director and Coach at Networks Padel Village.
“Our focus now is to create more opportunities for structured coaching, regular competition
and international exposure so that Kenyan players can consistently compete beyond our
borders. The potential is enormous, and with the right investment and development
pathway, Kenya can establish itself as a serious force in African and international padel.”
Networks Open forms part of a broader player-development pathway at Networks Padel
Village aimed at helping players progress from their introduction to the sport through to
competitive play.
The club currently runs beginner and intermediate classes, dedicated ladies’ clinics, a Junior Academy, structured coaching programmes and regular Americano competitions designed to give players match experience and opportunities to develop partnerships.
Its coaching programme includes Head Coach Maciek Koza, Derrick Ominde and Steven
Austine.
As Kenyan players increasingly target international competition, Networks has identified
consistency in training and competing with the same partner, alongside stronger player
psychology, as important areas for continued development. According to the club,
frequently switching partners can limit the chemistry required at higher levels of
competition, while the ability to manage pressure and on-court conflict becomes
increasingly important as players progress.
Networks Open also provides the country’s leading players with opportunities to compete
against each other using international tournament formats, helping prepare them for FIP
and other higher-level competitions.
Networks Padel Village plans to return with Networks Open Season 3 in September 2027,
alongside Carrefour Open Season 2 in 2027, as it continues investing in structured
competition and player development in Kenya.
