Pretoria pair set to make history on international ice in Germany

From pre-dawn practices in Pretoria to a historic debut in Berlin, Milané Gamberini and Philip Malan are redefining what is possible for South African pairs skating. According toPretoria Rekord, lots of courage, years of professional coaching and lots of family support have carried Milané Gamberini (11) and Philip Malan (14) further than either of them expected when they first stepped onto the ice together. For Milané (11) and Philip (14) it began with a try-out lesson in 2022.

Since the age of eight, Milané has been paired with Philip in various development phases, but it was in that first structured session that something shifted. Three years later, they are preparing to make history as South Africa’s first Basic Novice Pairs team to debut at an International Skating Union-listed (ISU) competition when they take to the ice at Skate Berlin International 2026, which started on Tuesday and ends on Saturday. Skate Berlin International 2026marks a significant return of high-level figure skating to Germany’s capital, hosting an international competition for the first time in 35 years.

Currently taking place the Sportforum Berlin, this event runs parallel to the Winter Olympic Games. The championship in Berlin will feature about 250 participants from 35 nations. Their coach, Konrad Giering, head coach at Evolution on Ice in Pretoria, remembers that early moment clearly.

[paywall]

“When we first put them together, I immediately noticed how well their personalities and learning styles matched,” he said.“Milané pushes energy into the partnership, and Philip grounds it. From the start, there was mutual respect and an ease in working together that is rare at their age.” That balance has become the heartbeat of their skating. “What makes this pair special is how naturally they complement each other.

Milané brings confidence, sass, and expressive energy, while Phillip brings calm focus, intelligence, and quiet control. Together, they create balance,” Giering said. “In their skating, I want that contrast to come through clearly, a strong presence paired with clean skating.”

[/paywall]