Switch Energy Drink announced as Schools SA20 title partner
Switch Energy Drink has been unveiled as the title partner of Schools SA20, strengthening its growing role in the South African cricket ecosystem and reinforcing its support for youth development in sport.
The new partnership comes into effect with the launch of Volume 2 of Switch Schools SA20 this weekend, featuring 630 girls’ and boys’ schools competing across the country in what is now regarded as South Africa’s premier schools T20 competition.
Strengthening grassroots cricket
The partnership further embeds Switch in the domestic T20 pipeline, following its recent three-year deal as the Official Energy Drink of SA20, South Africa’s top professional T20 league.
“The inaugural season of Schools SA20 was a resounding success and we are incredibly proud to welcome Switch Energy Drink as the title partner for Volume 2,” said SA20 League Commissioner Graeme Smith.
“Switch Schools SA20 is a platform for the next generation of girl and boy cricketers around the country to showcase their skills on a national platform—a brilliant opportunity to unearth future stars.”
Pathway to professional cricket
Launched in 2024, the inaugural edition saw Steyn City School (Gauteng) crowned girls’ champions and Bishops Diocesan College (Western Cape) lift the boys’ trophy during Finals Week in Pretoria.
“Switch is proud to extend our partnership with the SA20 family by becoming title partner of the Switch Schools SA20,” said Christian Wentzel, CEO of Switch. “We believe in uplifting the youth, and there is no better way to do this than by backing young talent who will one day light up stadiums in South Africa and around the world.”
The Schools SA20 platform has already proven to be a launchpad for future professional players. Current SA20 stars Dewald Brevis, Kwena Maphaka, and Lhuan-dre Pretorius all emerged from the school system, highlighting its importance as a development pathway.
From school stars to SA20 contracts
“Volume 1 of the competition has already witnessed a number of success stories,” added Smith. “Karabo Meso, the girls’ player of the tournament, is heading to the Women’s World Cup in India with the Proteas. Bayanda Majola and JJ Basson, who played last season, have been signed by Pretoria Capitals and Paarl Royals respectively for Season 4 of SA20.”
READ MORE: Majola and Basson make history as first Schools SA20 ‘graduates’
Volume 2 kicks off this weekend
Volume 2 of the tournament begins on Sunday, 28 September with the KwaZulu-Natal Girls’ Finals Day. Select matches will be streamed live on the SuperSport Schools app and DSTV Channel 216. Additional updates and content are available via the official @schools_sa20 social media pages and the Schools SA20 website.
This partnership represents a long-term investment in youth cricket and a major step in shaping the future of the sport in South Africa.
