Milanѐ Gamberini and Philip Malan: Chaos, chemistry and South Africa’s first Basic Novice pairs debut

Some partnerships are built carefully on paper, while others reveal themselves the moment two skaters step onto the ice together. For Milanѐ Gamberini (11) and Philip Malan (14), it began with a try-out lesson in 2022. Three years later, they will make history as South Africa’s first Basic Novice Pairs team to debut at an ISU-listed international competition, stepping onto the ice at Skate Berlin in February.

Their coach, Konrad Giering, head coach at Evolution on Ice in Pretoria, remembers the moment the pairing made sense.

“When we first put them together, I immediately noticed how well their personalities and learning styles matched,” he says. “Milanѐ 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 signature of their skating.

“What makes this pair special is how naturally they complement each other. Milanѐ brings confidence, sass and expressive energy, while Phillip brings calm focus, intelligence and quiet control. Together, they create balance. In their skating, I want that contrast to come through clearly, a strong presence paired with clean skating,” says Giering.

On the ice, trust is everything. Especially in pair elements where timing, awareness and commitment decide whether a lift flies or fails.

“The biggest breakthrough has been their growing trust in each other. Especially in elements where timing, awareness and patience are essential. The quality they have that you cannot teach is coachability and trust. They both show up willing to learn, adjust and try again.”

The skaters echo that lesson themselves.

“The biggest lesson we have learned skating together is to listen to each other and to the coach,” they say. “And to learn that everyone can make mistakes and that you are not always right.”

Their favourite element reflects that partnership. “Our Group 1 Lift,” they answer without hesitation. The most challenging. “Pivot element.”

They describe their partnership in one word. “Chaos.” It is said with humour, but behind it sit long mornings and quiet discipline.

They train four days a week from 5am to 6.30am before school. Milanѐ is in Grade 6 at Eduplex. Philip is in Grade 9 at Tyger Valley College. Afternoons bring other sports. Milanѐ plays netball. Philip swims. Both play piano. They also try to spend as much time together outside skating as possible, building the connection that pair skating demands.

Each brings distinct strengths. Philip’s jumps. Milanѐ’s flexibility spins. Philip laughs that Mila is “very sassy with the choreography.” The contrast is intentional. The outcome is distinctive.

Their international debut has a clear purpose.

“Our main goal for our international debut is to skate a personal best before we have to move to the next section,” they say. “We want to gain international experience and meet other international pair skaters.”

That next section is already on the horizon. They are ageing out of Basic Novice and aim to qualify for Advanced Novice Pairs in the coming season.

Over the next year, they plan to perfect their double axel, begin triple jumps and, as a pair, to refine their throw double Salchow. The work is incremental but the ambition is large.

Their pathway matters beyond their own journey. Philip was the only triple-discipline competitor at the 2025 South African National Championships, a career highlight that signalled both versatility and endurance. Now, together, they open a new chapter for South African pairs skating.

Giering sees the larger picture clearly.

“Team Illusion represents unity,” he says of synchro. Now, in pairs, he sees another emerging statement. “Quality is always the goal. This partnership shows what is possible when personality, work ethic, and trust align.”

Their international appearance at Skate Berlin will be more than a debut. It will mark a first for South African Basic Novice Pairs skating on an international stage.

When asked what they do for fun, the answer is honest. “There is no time for fun,” they say, then list crafts, fishing, music and swimming. The smile is implied.

Chaos, yes. But also clarity. Early mornings. Consistent effort. Trust built repetition by repetition. A coach who believes. Two skaters who show up. And a small but meaningful moment in South African skating history about to unfold on European ice.

Follow their journey on Instagram at @philip.mila.pairs