Betway SA20 Season 4 award winners reflect on their experience

Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s Quinton de Kock was the star performer of Betway SA20 Season 4, with his exhilarating performances captivating the crowds around the country.

De Kock claimed the Betway SA20 Season 4 Player of the Year along with the Batter of the Year award.

Paarl Royals new recruit Ottneil Baartman claimed the Bowler of the Year award, while Sunrisers Eastern Cape batter Jordan Hermann won the Rising Star Award.

De Kock has long been regarded as an enigma - a generational talent whose laid-back demeanor has often been misconstrued as indifference.

Yet those who are privileged to be part of his inner sanctum know that this perception could not be further from reality.

Over the past month, where De Kock reunited with his former Proteas mentors Adrian Birrell and Russell Domingo, he showcased his determination while thriving in an environment built on trust and mutual support at the Sunrisers Eastern Cape. The 33-year-old wicketkeeper-batter delivered performances of the highest quality both in front and behind the stumps but most importantly was playing with a smile on his face.

The vibrant atmosphere at St George’s Park, with the band welcoming back one of their favourite Proteas sons, seemed to recharge De Kock’s spirits as he passionately celebrated each wicket with exuberance, rivaling even that of captain Tristan Stubbs.

The end result: De Kock topped the Season 4 batting leaderboard with 390 runs at an average of 39.0 at a strike-rate of 148 and claimed 15 catches, including two magnificent one-handers, along with three stumpings.

His contribution played a significant role in Sunrisers annexing their third Betway SA20 championship title in four seasons and was deservedly named Betway Player of the Season.

“It's obviously just nice to be in a team that knows how to win this comp. I think the guys rallied really well under pressure at the best of times, which is nice to be part of,” De Kock said.

“Some of the guys who are leaving this tournament would have learnt a couple of things about their own game, which is great. We've had a great time.

“It's been an amazing month. It's a great tournament run by Mr Birrell and Stubbo and the whole crew. It's been amazing.”

De Kock’s value to the Sunrisers was far greater than his incredible numbers. His experience in the changeroom discussions, where he played an active role in guiding youngsters such as Hermann and Jame Coles, was invaluable, while he quietly guided his rookie captain Stubbs through his first season on the field.

It wasn’t always in-depth detailed conversations but they were meaningful. Sunrisers mentor Birrell couldn’t praise De Kock’s contribution enough.

“He's been outstanding,” said Birrell. “I think he's helped Stubbo a lot in the field, I couldn't say more.

“He made the most runs in the season and if Quinton de Kock is in form, you win trophies.”

Meanwhile, it is often said change is as good as a holiday and so it proved for Baartman in Betway SA20 Season 4.

Having been an integral part of Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s success during the first three seasons, Baartman undertook a new challenge at Paarl Royals.

The seamer relished the responsibility of being levelled up to the leader of Royals’ attack after previously being the supporting act to Marco Jansen.

In fact, Baartman actually passed his good friend and former teammate Jansen as the most successful bowler in Betway SA20 history with 61 wickets in 34 matches at an average of 15.14 and economy of 8.32.

It included 20 wickets in Season 4, which earned Baartman the Bowler of the Season Award.

“Obviously, when I was bought at the auction, I took a look at the team and thought that I’d probably have to lead the attack. Hardus (Viljoen) is an experienced bowler and then we had young (Nqobani) Mokoena,” Baartman said.

“But leading the attack is all in the mindset. Paarl was such a pleasure for me. I picked up a lot of wickets but I think the two backup-seamers also made an impact which allowed me to settle in.”

The highlight of the campaign for Baartman was the sensational hat-trick, which formed part of a 5/16 haul, against Pretoria Capitals at Centurion.

The soft-spoken seamer does not want to reflect on his individual feat, but rather give praise to his strong support system back home.

“It means so much to me. Especially the support I got from home as well,” Baartman said.

“I'm not a numbers guy but to be receiving this award, I think the credit needs to go to the family as well for the support throughout the competition.

Meanwhile, Baartman’s former Sunrisers Eastern Cape teammate Hermann fulfilled the promise that the legendary AB de Villiers predicted back in Season 1 already.

Hermann batted with great maturity in Season 4, making valuable contributions throughout, to drive the Sunrisers’ to the third Betway SA20 championship title in four seasons.

The talented left-hander finished with 273 runs at an average of 34.13 and strike-rate of 137.19 to earn the Rising Star of the Season Award.

“It's special, I think it's more for the team, the performance is for the team and it's nice that you get some individual recognition in a big tournament like this, so I'm very chuffed.

“The big thing I told myself, if I can have a good season, we will have a proper good chance of winning the competition. I told that to my girlfriend at the start and it worked out.

“I'm just so chuffed I can contribute to the team and with the team full of superstars like we have to contribute.

“I think I showed glimpses last year of what I can do in other seasons and it's nice to put it together a bit more consistently in a season. I think it's a nice blueprint for me. It's awesome.”

Meanwhile, the Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) has congratulated World Sports Betting Newlands Groundsman, Braam Mong and head grounds assistant Alfred Damoyi and the rest of his team, on a superb summer season after he was named the Betway SA20 Groundsman of the Season for a second consecutive year.

Mong received the prestigious accolade following another outstanding season at Newlands, where the quality of playing surfaces continued to draw praise from players, coaches and officials alike. The work of the grounds staff once again set the benchmark across the competition.

In addition to the SA20 campaign, Mong and his ground staff were commended for maintaining exceptional wickets during the recent Proteas Women’s series against Ireland on 5 December 2025, as well as throughout the first half of the South African domestic cricket season. The consistency and competitiveness of cricket on display were largely attributed to the meticulous preparation of the pitches.

Newlands also successfully hosted five sold-out MI Cape Town home matches during the tournament, further underlining the significance of Mong’s achievement.

The Betway SA20 is widely regarded as the second-largest T20 league in the world, making the recognition even more noteworthy.

WPCA Chief Executive Officer Corrie van Zyl congratulated Mong on his achievement, saying: “Braam, Alfred, Laeeq, Tyron and Leonard have truly put their hearts and souls into ensuring that the playing facilities were fully prepared for all cricket, including Season 4 of the Betway SA20. Their dedication, tireless attention to detail and countless hours of preparation ensured that WSB Newlands once again affirmed its status as the most beautiful ground in the world. The outstanding wickets produced an exciting final that was fitting of the occasion. They richly deserve this accolade, and we are immensely proud of them of the work they have done across the summer cricket season.”

Adding to Braam’s achievement, League Commissioner Graeme Smith said: “I think it’s great,” he said. "I think Newlands has had its challenges during pre-season. I know in season one, they struggled with their pitch and there was a lot of pressure on Braam going forward. But I think he certainly has produced in the last two years consistent surfaces that have had a great mix for bat and ball."

BETWAY SA20 SEASON 4 AWARD WINNERS

BETWAY PLAYER OF THE SEASON: Quinton de Kock (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)

BATTER OF THE SEASON: Quinton de Kock (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)

BOWLER OF THE SEASON: Ottneil Baartman (Paarl Royals)

RISING STAR OF THE SEASON: Jordan Hermann (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)

ABSA MONEYBALL SAVER OF THE SEASON: Marco Jansen (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)

IT'S RAINING SIXES: Dewald Brevis (Pretoria Capitals)

SPIRIT OF CRICKET: Sunrisers Eastern Cape

GROUNDSMAN OF THE YEAR: Braam Mong (Newlands)