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The SA20’s third season is almost here, and teams are buzzing with activity. Player arrivals, kit reveals, and media days offer fans a sneak peek at the upcoming action.
The season begins on 9 January with Sunrisers Eastern Cape taking on MI Cape Town at St George’s Park.
MI Cape Town has started welcoming their players for the third season. New Zealand’s Trent Boult was among the first to arrive, joining coach Robin Peterson and bowling coach Mitchell McCleneghan. With several players fulfilling national duties, the team will strategise for the opening matches.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape welcomed fifteen players to their hotel. The English contingent, including Liam Dawson, Tom Abell, Zak Crawley, Richard Gleeson, and Craig Overton, were among the arrivals. Their South African Test players are expected to join later. Coach Adrian Birrell was present to greet the team.
Joburg Super Kings saw Gerald Coetzee as their first arrival. The team hopes for Coetzee’s full fitness, especially with injuries sidelining Nandre Burger and Lizaad Williams.
Sixteen JSK players have arrived, including Faf du Plessis, Devon Conway, and Jonny Bairstow. Imran Tahir and Tabraiz Shamsi, traded from Paarl Royals, spoke about the upcoming season.
“I’m so excited to finally be part of the most-loved franchise,” Shamsi said.
Tahir added context to Shamsi’s excitement, explaining the special aspects of JSK and assuring him of the team’s support.
Pretoria Capitals‘ new coach Jonathan Trott, captain Wayne Parnell, and a recovered Anrich Nortje were among the early arrivals. Steve Stolk, finished with school and U19 commitments, also joined.
“The goal will be the same as always, to obviously go out there and win this SA20,” Parnell stated.
Parnell highlighted the value of a recent mini-camp, which included new local players like Marques Ackerman, Kyle Simmonds, Steve Stolk, and Keagan Lion-Cachet. The camp focused on team interaction and understanding. Parnell, returning from injury, last played professionally in early April 2024.
“I’ve left no stone unturned and have gone through the whole process of the rehab and now it’s just about getting into ‘game mode’. Once the matches come around, you have to take it to the next level,” Parnell explained.
Durban’s Super Giants welcomed Dwaine Pretorius to their hotel. Pretorius emphasised early preparation. “I try and always be the first one here to prepare a bit earlier and make sure my body is in the right condition. Hopefully we can put in some solid performances for the team this year,” Pretorius commented.
New Zealand’s Kane Williamson arrived a day later, preceding Durban-based players Bryce Parsons and Prenelan Subrayen. Heinrich Klaasen, Junior Dala, and Quinton de Kock also joined. Captain Keshav Maharaj and Wiaan Mulder will arrive later due to Test commitments.
Paarl Royals players announced their arrivals with creative videos. Nqaba Peter, Keith Dudgeon, Bjorn Fortuin, Mitchell van Buuren, Codi Yusuf, and Joe Root shared their excitement.
England’s Joe Root is among the nine new players for Paarl Royals this season. Eleven new players, including Kwena Maphaka and Lhuan-dre Pretorius who missed the last season, will become familiar with their new environment.
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