The Betway SA20 Season 4 Player Auction has sent a clear message about the future of South African cricket, with teams spending a total of R22.8 million on Under-23 players.
The standout headline was Pretoria Capitals‘ record-breaking R16.5 million signing of Dewald Brevis, but the investment in youth extended far beyond just one name. Teams across the board sought to secure young domestic talent, potentially reshaping the landscape of South African cricket for years to come.
Kwena Maphaka returns to Kingsmead with Durban’s Super Giants
Teenage fast bowler Kwena Maphaka was picked up by Durban’s Super Giants (DSG) for R2.3 million after impressing in previous seasons. Maphaka, who debuted for the Proteas in South Africa at Kingsmead, will now return to familiar turf.
“I have fond memories of playing T20 cricket in Durban. My first game for the Proteas in South Africa was there, and I performed nicely,” said Maphaka. “I am hoping to have a good season in Season 4.”
Maphaka will be joined at DSG by Andile Simelane (22) and Gysbert Wege, the latter a standout from the 2023 CSA Cubs Week.
Capital moves and fresh signings
Steve Stolk, formerly of Pretoria Capitals, has joined Joburg Super Kings, along with Neil Timmers. Meanwhile, Tristan Luus continues his development with MI Cape Town, joined by Dan Lategan.
Pretoria Capitals secured the services of Bayanda Majola, an 18-year-old pace bowler from Durban Boys’ High School. Majola’s rise through the Schools SA20 system underscores the growing importance of youth development pathways in SA cricket.
Another exciting addition is Mika-eel Prince (21), a former SA U19 standout from SACS, while Northwood High’s Nqobani Mokoena joins Paarl Royals after an impressive showing against England for the SA U19s.
Paarl Royals double down on youth investment
The Boland Park-based Paarl Royals lead the way with four U23 signings, including:
- Lhuan-dre Pretorius – pre-signed and top-scorer in Season 3
- JJ Basson – 17-year-old from Noordheuwel High
- Keagan-Lion Cachet
- Nqobani Mokoena
Family reunion at Sunrisers Eastern Cape
It will be a family affair at Sunrisers Eastern Cape with the King brothers, CJ and JP, reunited on the same team after representing DSG and JSK respectively last season.
Schools SA20 shines as talent pipeline
Russell Domingo, assistant coach at Sunrisers Eastern Cape, praised the impact of the Schools SA20 system in elevating young talent.
“It’s a great initiative to have those young players be part of this competition,” said Domingo. “They’re playing with and learning from the greats — that experience is invaluable.”
Domingo emphasized the strength of the South African school system as the backbone of cricket development, calling it “one of the reasons South African cricket always remains strong.”
Full Betway SA20 Season 4 U23 player list
Durban’s Super Giants
- Kwena Maphaka
- Andile Simelane
- Gysbert Wege
Joburg Super Kings
- Steve Stolk
- Neil Timmers
MI Cape Town
- Tristan Luus
- Dan Lategan
Pretoria Capitals
- Dewald Brevis
- Bayanda Majola
- Mika-eel Prince
Paarl Royals
- Lhuan-dre Pretorius
- Keagan-Lion Cachet
- JJ Basson
- Nqobani Mokoena
Sunrisers Eastern Cape
- CJ King
- JP King
The SA20 continues to establish itself not only as South Africa’s premier T20 league, but also as a crucial platform for discovering and developing the next generation of cricket talent.
