Football legends and professional surfers unite at Willard Beach for one of the Ballito Pro’s biggest new attractions
Brazil claimed top honours in the inaugural Surf & Turf Challenge at the 57th Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill, delivering one of the festival’s most entertaining moments. Held at Willard Beach, Ballito, the crossover event combined football and surfing in a relay-style competition that celebrated this year’s Waves of Unity theme.
The unique contest drew enthusiastic crowds as football icons teamed up with professional surfers in a showcase of skill, teamwork and sporting spirit.
A New Festival Favourite
The Surf & Turf Challenge introduced a fresh format to the Ballito Pro. Each national team paired one football legend with two professional surfers.
The football player first had to score against former KwaDukuza Super Strikers goalkeeper Nkosi Zulu. Once successful, the surfers entered the water, each riding two scoring waves before tagging their teammate. Judges combined the football result with the surfing scores to crown the winning nation.
“The inaugural Surf & Turf Challenge exceeded every expectation,” said O’Neill Brand Director Paul Canning. “The atmosphere on the beach was incredible as football legends and professional surfers competed together in a truly unique format. It perfectly reflected our Waves of Unity theme and demonstrated how sport has the power to bring people together.”
Brazil Takes the Title
After an exciting afternoon of competition, Brazil secured first place ahead of South Africa.
Surf & Turf Challenge Results
- Brazil
- South Africa
- Morocco
- United States
- Portugal
- Australia
Football Meets Surf Culture
The challenge featured football personalities alongside surfers representing six nations.
South Africa’s team included professional surfers Luke Thompson and Sarah Baum, joined by former Bafana Bafana striker Simon Makubela.
Brazil’s winning team featured surfers Douglas Silva and Rafael Barbosa, supported by beach soccer international Kyle Deutschmann.
The competition highlighted the growing connection between football, surfing and beach culture, creating a fresh spectator experience at one of South Africa’s biggest winter sporting festivals.
Celebrating Young Football Talent
The festival also hosted the finals of the KwaDukuza Behind Bafana Bafana U15 Soccer Development Programme, presented in partnership with KwaDukuza Municipality.
Young footballers competed in front of Ballito Pro crowds after progressing through regional qualifying tournaments organised through SAFA development structures.
Tournament Awards
- Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Sanele Xulu
- Best Player: Andile Mngadi
- Top Goal Scorer: Lindelani Madikizela
- Administrator Award: Riccardo Moonsamy
Final Standings
- Shakashead FC
- Shayamoya FC
- Etete FC
Festival visitors also enjoyed the Behind Bafana Bafana Fan Zone, where FIFA World Cup matches were screened throughout the event, adding to the lively beach atmosphere.
The Ballito Pro Festival Continues
Although the Surf & Turf Challenge has become an instant highlight, the Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill still has plenty to offer before the festival concludes.
Visitors can experience:
- World Surf League Challenger Series competition.
- Ballito Pro Music Concerts presented by Corona.
- Corona Sunset Sessions and After Dark entertainment.
- Retail village and local food vendors.
- Family-friendly beach activities.
- Red Bull BMX displays and extreme sports.
- Litter4Tokens recycling initiatives.
- WESSA’s Stop the Strangle ocean conservation campaign.
- Mandela Day’s 67 Minutes for the Ocean beach clean-up.
The 57th Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill continues to combine world-class surfing, live entertainment, youth development and coastal conservation, making it one of South Africa’s most exciting winter lifestyle festivals.
