Mozambique secured second place in the Nations Trophy at the FCB Padel Cup 2026 Regional Finals, held on 26 and 27 September in Gaborone, Botswana. The competition brought together athletes from the five markets in which FMBcapital Holdings Group operates: Mozambique, Botswana, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The Mozambican delegation comprised four pairs, two women’s and two men’s, made up of athletes who qualified through the inaugural national edition of the FCB Padel Cup, held in Maputo in June. Mozambique was represented by Leticia Alves and Zuhaira Latib, Helen Khumalo and Stace Gibbs, Pedro Alberty and Karim Kanafani, and Badru Rosa and Mohamad Tayab Alimomade.

In the overall Nations Trophy standings, Mozambique finished in second place with 27 points, behind Zambia, which scored 39 points. Botswana finished third, also with 27 points, but with an inferior game difference compared to Mozambique.

In the women’s competition, Leticia Alves and Zuhaira Latib finished the group stage at the top of their respective group, while Helen Khumalo and Stace Gibbs also progressed to the semi-finals. In the third-place playoff, Helen Khumalo and Stace Gibbs secured third place, ensuring Mozambique’s presence on the podium.

In the men’s category, Pedro Alberty and Karim Kanafani, as well as Badru Rosa and Mohamad Tayab Alimomade, finished fourth in their respective groups and were eliminated in the first round of the knockout stage.

According to João Rodrigues, CEO of First Capital Bank Mozambique, participation in the Regional Finals allowed the athletes to take their national competition experience to a broader stage:

“The FCB Padel Cup has enabled us to create an experience that goes beyond competition. After standing out at the national stage, the athletes had the opportunity to represent Mozambique in a regional setting, compete against players from the Group’s other markets and experience sporting exchange. Finishing second in the Nations Trophy and securing third place through Helen Khumalo and Stace Gibbs are achievements that make us proud.”

The Regional Finals also provided opportunities for social interaction, cultural exchange and networking among the delegations from the five markets, strengthening the regional dimension of the initiative and fostering connections among participants beyond the competition itself.

Mozambique’s participation in the Regional Finals followed the inaugural national edition of the FCB Padel Cup, held on 20 and 21 June in Maputo. The tournament brought together 70 teams across eight categories, with 126 matches played on nine padel courts. The national stage served as the qualifying competition for Mozambique’s representation at the regional tournament.

With the conclusion of the Regional Finals, the FCB Padel Cup 2026 reinforces its role as an initiative that promotes sport and brings together the five markets of FMBcapital Holdings Group, providing athletes with opportunities for competition, exchange and development beyond national borders.

First Capital Bank Mozambique thus reaffirms its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles, the development of sport and stronger connections between people and communities.