Aqeel Bhaba’s Power Play: Hirostar SA Redefines Padel

South Africa’s padel scene is on fire, and Aqeel Bhaba is fanning the flames. As the exclusive agent for Hirostar, a European padel brand known for its cutting-edge racquets, Aqeel is more than an entrepreneur—he’s a movement builder. From the sleek Hirostar Eternal to the ferocious Nemesis Pro, he’s bringing premium gear to the 435+ courts nationwide Padel South Africa. I sat down with Aqeel in Johannesburg to dive into Hirostar SA’s launch, the art of choosing a racquet, and his vision for growing padel from grassroots to global. Plus, don’t miss your chance to win a luxury Padel & Pilates weekend at Fransvleit Manor—subscribe at www.padelballlife.com/subscribe!

Hirostar’s Bold Arrival

Smasher: Aqeel, Hirostar’s a powerhouse in Europe. What sparked your decision to bring it to South Africa?

Aqeel Bhaba: I wanted a brand that matched South Africa’s padel energy—ambitious, dynamic, and ready to stand out. Hirostar’s obsession with quality hooked me: premium materials, player-driven design, and tech like vibration-reducing convex bridges. Their racquets, from the Aurora to the Blackstone, are built for performance, not just looks. With 100,000+ players on Playtomic, South Africa deserves gear that elevates the game, and Hirostar delivers.

Racquets That Redefine Play

Smasher: What sets Hirostar racquets apart in a crowded market?

Aqeel Bhaba: It’s the engineering. Hirostar uses 12K, 18K, and 24K carbon fibre faces with EVA Black foam in Mid, Hard, or Xtreme variants, tailoring each model’s feel. The sand-effect surface maximizes spin, while the convex bridge cuts vibration for comfort. Take the Redstone—its teardrop shape and 18K carbon balance power and control, perfect for advanced players at Africa Padel Claremont. Beginners love the Fighter’s forgiving fibreglass face, while pros like the Nemesis Pro’s raw power.

Smasher: Your personal pick from the lineup?

Aqeel Bhaba: I’m swinging the Redstone for its all-court dominance—18K carbon and EVA Black Mid foam make it a beast. For flair, the Alien by Tolito Aguirre, with 24K carbon, brings serious firepower. Newbies should grab the Fighter for its ease, and juniors can’t go wrong with the Vamos or Alien Junior, built to inspire young talent.

Building a Padel Tribe

Smasher: Hirostar SA isn’t just about sales. What’s the bigger picture?

Aqeel Bhaba: We’re cultivating a padel culture. It’s about connecting players, from Padel Life Pinelands to rural clubs, through top-tier gear, events, and community. We’re sponsoring tournaments, partnering with coaches, and hosting demo days to get racquets like the Eternal or Aurora into players’ hands. Our goal? Make Hirostar the heartbeat of South African padel, from juniors to elites.

The Future of Padel

Smasher: Where’s Hirostar SA headed in five years?

Aqeel Bhaba: We aim to be the go-to performance brand, deeply rooted in local tournaments, youth programs, and club networks. We’ll keep innovating—think new racquet tech—and push South African padel onto the global stage, like we’re seeing at Balwin Padel’s R1 million events Padel South Africa. Accessibility is key, so we’re expanding distribution while keeping that premium edge.

Smasher: One change you’d make to SA’s padel scene?

Aqeel Bhaba: More junior programs. We need structured coaching and gear access for young players. That’s why our junior racquets, like the Alien Junior, are designed to perform and spark passion, not just scale down adult models.

A Personal Triumph

Smasher: Proudest moment with Hirostar SA?

Aqeel Bhaba: Seeing an international player compete in a South African tournament with a Hirostar racquet. It was proof we’re not just importing gear—we’re raising the sport’s level here. That moment, on a court buzzing with 100,000+ Playtomic players, felt like a full-circle win.

Join the Hirostar Movement

Aqeel Bhaba and Hirostar SA are redefining padel, one racquet, one court, one player at a time. Ready to elevate your game? Visit www.hirostar.co.za to explore the lineup and find demo days near you. Dive into the full interview at www.padelballlife.com and subscribe at www.padelballlife.com/subscribe for a chance to win a luxury Padel & Pilates weekend at Fransvleit Manor in the Winelands. With South Africa’s padel scene soaring, Hirostar’s here to help you crush it!

Subscribe for a shot at a Padel & Pilates getaway at Fransvleit Manor in the Cape Wineland!

Subscribe for free: www.padelballlife.com/subscribe no spamming!