All to play for as Switch Schools SA20 Champions to be crowned

The stage is set for an anticipated finish to Switch Schools SA20 Volume 2 as Phase 3 brings the #BestOfTheBest to the University of Pretoria from 4-7 March. After months of incredible action across the country, 14 outstanding school teams – eight boys’ and six girls’ – will converge on Tuks in pursuit of national glory.

Adding to the intrigue, new champions will be crowned as neither defending champions Bishops Diocesan College (boys) nor Steyn City School (girls) have qualified for the Finals.

The six girls’ finalists reflect both pedigree and rising power. Saints Christian School from Potchefstroom return after finishing as runners-up in Volume 1, eager to go one step further. Nomandi Junior Secondary School – the only team to defeat Steyn City in the inaugural edition – are back on the national stage, as are Northern Region contenders Nkowankowa Hub.

Joining them for the first time are Queens High School from Johannesburg, HTS Drostdy from Worcester and KwaZulu-Natal champions Chatsworth Hub. With Steyn City out of the picture, the girls’ competition promises an open and fiercely contested race to the crown.

"Cricket South Africa is committed to strengthening our domestic pipeline and the Switch Schools SA20 competition is a vital component of that vision,” Cricket South Africa Chief Executive, Pholetsi Moseki said. “The diversity of the finalists this year – ranging from our established traditional schools to the incredible talent coming through our Hubs and Focus Schools – highlights the inclusive nature of our developmental strategy. To see 10 members of our current SA U19 World Cup squad having come through this system is a testament to its success. We look forward to a thrilling week at the University of Pretoria, where the #BestOfTheBest will showcase the bright future of the Proteas."

The boys’ line-up is equally compelling. St Andrew’s School Bloemfontein, winners of the Volume 1 Spirit of Cricket Award, qualify once again, while Graeme College return after reclaiming the Cricket South Africa (CSA) Focus Schools Tournament title last November.

They are joined by first-time national finalists Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies), Hilton College, Jeppe High School for Boys, Paarl Boys’ High School and Selborne College – an exciting mix of traditional powerhouses and emerging contenders. Completing the eight-team field is a CSA Hub Invitational XI, underlining the competition’s strong developmental pathway.

SA20 League Commissioner, Graeme Smith believes the growth of the competition will help to unearth more talent in the country. ​

"The growth of Switch Schools SA20 Volume 2 has been nothing short of remarkable,” Smith said. “Seeing new schools rise to the occasion and traditional powerhouses being pushed to their limits proves that the depth of talent in South African cricket is expanding. This tournament is the 'engine room' for our future and as we head to Tuks for the Finals, we aren't just looking for champions – we are looking at the next generation of SA20 stars. The fact that we already have alumni like JJ Basson and Bayanda Majola securing professional contracts shows that this pathway is working and we are proud to provide this platform for both the boys' and girls' games."

Switch Schools SA20 is a partnership between SA20 and Cricket South Africa, with Switch Energy Drink coming on board as title partners in Volume 2. The competition continues to cement its status as a vital bridge between schools cricket and the professional game.

In addition, the Switch Schools SA20 scholarship programme will for the second-year running provide a full scholarship to a promising cricketer (Grade 7 boy and girl learner) to attend the winning schools, covering annual school and hostel tuition and additional costs. ​

Apart from the match days, all the cricketers participating in the Finals week will be given an experience like no other. Outside of having all their matches televised, the players will be taken through integrity sessions by SACA (an introductory education session for the players on matters of anti-corruption and anti-doping to assist them in managing these risks), batting, bowling and fielding masterclasses with guest coaches and media and content shoots. A taste of life as a professional cricketer.

The impact of the tournament is already evident. Karabo Meso, a Volume 1 champion and Player of the Tournament with Steyn City, has since debuted for the Proteas Women and was one of six Switch Schools SA20 alumni to feature in South Africa’s run to the 2025 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Final. ​

In the boys’ game, JJ Basson (Hoërskool Noordheuwel) and Bayanda Majola (Durban High School) progressed from early phases of Volume 1 to securing contracts at the 2025 SA20 Player Auction with Paarl Royals and Pretoria Capitals respectively.

With 10 members of the current SA U19 squad at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup having featured in Switch Schools SA20, Phase 3 is not just about crowning champions – it’s about showcasing the future of South African cricket.

All matches on the main Tuks Oval will be broadcast live on DStv Channel 216, while remaining fixtures will be streamed via the SuperSport Schools App. Fans can look forward to 20 boys’ matches and 12 girls’ matches across four action-packed days.