As Durban heads into April, the urge to move more and try something new is strong. For those looking for fitness, fun and a genuine sense of community, pickleball might just be the answer.
Michelle Kriese, KZN pickleball champion, is helping locals embrace this fun, social, low-impact sport that has them falling in love with a new way to move and reconnect with their bodies.
Based in Westville, Michelle is a mom of three, an entrepreneur at heart and the regional director of Pickleball Africa. She is also one of the driving forces behind the sport’s rapid growth locally, having co-founded Pickleball Africa, and has helped establish the province’s first permanent pickleball courts in 2023.
“I just knew it would flourish here,” she says. “It’s easy to learn, affordable to set up and it brings people together in a way not many sports do.”
Michelle describes herself as entrepreneurial, starting her first business at just 18 selling sandwiches. The income helped her buy her first car and the business later supported her parents into retirement.
Professionally, she is a qualified medical microbiologist, though today she runs beauty salons in Umhlanga and Sani Pass. Alongside this, she balances family life with her husband, Gustav, her adult children, Torsten and Saxon, and Mia, who joined their family three years ago and is now 11.
To stay grounded, Michelle leans on pickleball and meditation. “I try to play every morning and stay present,” she says. “It helps that I truly love what I do.”
She first encountered pickleball in 2022 during a tennis tournament that was interrupted by rain. A group of players pulled out a children’s pickleball set and started playing on the wet courts.
“The name intrigued me,” she laughs. “I Googled it and was absolutely amazed by how big the sport already was globally.”
What followed was a leap of faith. Using her savings, Michelle, along with Gustav and her business partner Pieter Terblanche, launched Pickleball Africa. They began with taped tennis courts and portable nets, quickly realising they were onto something special. And people loved it.
In January 2023, they built KZN’s first permanent pickleball courts at a golf estate in Hillcrest. Today, Pickleball Africa operates multiple venues across the region, including Hillcrest, Kloof, Westville North, Durban North and the South Coast, with leagues, socials and tournaments running throughout the year.
Often described as ‘table tennis on steroids’, pickleball is played on a court one quarter the size of a tennis court. Players use solid paddles to hit a perforated plastic ball over a net, with a unique no-volley zone near the net known as the kitchen.
“It’s incredibly easy to pick up,” Michelle explains. “Within five minutes, most people can rally. That’s why children and previously non-sporty adults love it.”
But do not be fooled by its accessibility. As players improve, the game becomes faster, more strategic and highly competitive.
One of the reasons Michelle is so passionate about pickleball is its inclusivity. The sport attracts children, teens, adults, seniors and families, often playing together on the same court.
“I’ve seen three generations of one family playing together,” she says. “Not many sports allow for that.”
It is also ideal for communities with limited resources. Pickleball can be played on old tennis courts, flat parking areas or any suitable hard surface, with minimal equipment costs.
Michelle currently serves on the management committee of the Confederation of African Pickleball, representing Southern Africa, and is a director of the Pickleball Federation of South Africa. A key focus is gaining official recognition through the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), which would allow schoolchildren to earn provincial and national colours, and one day represent SA on the world stage. With pickleball is expected to debut at the Olympics in 2032, that future feels closer than ever.
Michelle plays and trains several times a week, balancing strong doubles sessions, singles matches, and coaching. While she loves the social side of the sport, competition runs deep.
Winning the over-35 National Championship last year alongside her long-time friend, Tanya Bissett, stands out as a career highlight. Another unforgettable moment was competing in a tournament against her own children.
“It was bittersweet,” she admits. “I had to play my best, but I was so proud every time they won a point.”
Beyond trophies, what fulfils her most is watching beginners grow in confidence and skill.
“It changes people’s lives,” she says. “Especially those who are lonely or unfit. I’ve witnessed it.”
This year, Michelle hopes to expand programmes offering free pickleball access to underprivileged children, building on a successful initiative with youngsters from a South Coast township. She also continues to support coaching and officiating courses through Pickleball Africa’s partnership with Sports Coach Academy.
With major tournaments like the KZN Provincials in May, and the Durban Open in July, Michelle’s message is simple … “Get involved now. Pitch up, play and see where it takes you. You might surprise yourself.”
If pickleball is an inclusive sport that builds community, connection and confidence, then Michelle is laying the groundwork for something truly special.
Details: Contact Michelle on 083 785 6044.
How to get started
Beginner socials run for two hours – simply pitch up and play with whoever is there. Wear comfortable clothing, court shoes (tennis soles are best), sunscreen, water and a cap. Sessions start with easy soft shots over the net and gradually move back to the baseline while participants learn the basic serve and scoring. Private coaching sessions are also available.
What does it cost?
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- Social play from R50 per person for two hours, including equipment
- Private court hire from R75 per person
- League fees from R100
- Tournament entry from R50 to R250
- There are no membership fees
Equipment guide:
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- Beginner paddles from R350
- Intermediate paddles about R1 700
- Advanced paddles up to R5 000
- Balls from R35 to R65 each
- Court shoes from R350 to R3 200
Why try pickleball?
- Improves fitness, agility and cardiovascular health
- Low impact on joints
- Highly social and community driven
- Suitable for all ages
- Fast to learn, challenging to master
- Affordable and accessible
- Can be played indoors or outdoors
- Allows multiple generations to play together
