Inter-city rivalry heats up as Betway SA20 Season 4 countdown hits 100 Days

The countdown to Season 4 of Betway SA20 is officially underway! With exactly 100 days to go until the first ball is bowled on 26 December, the League has unveiled the '20th Player', a drive where popular South African personalities will give fans a front-row voice and bring them closer to the incredible action like never before.

After the six franchises completed their 19-player squads at the thrilling player auction last week, Betway SA20 shifts into fan mode as anticipation for Season 4 begins to ramp up.

Each of the six 20th Players represents a city where the six teams are based and will lead the fan movement in their region through their diverse voices and entertaining online personalities. ​

The 20th Players are ...

Schalk Bezuidenhout (Durban): The effervescent comedian and author will be sustaining the energetic vibes in Ethekwini with his unique humour.

Moshe Ndiki (Johannesburg): Renowned South African actor, comedian and presenter will be bringing his dynamic personality and infectious energy to Highveld fans.

Nadia Jaftha (Cape Town): The fashionista and viral TikTok sensation will lead the trends with the passionate Capetonians.

Vafa Naraghi (Paarl): The entertainer and vibe-seeker will be bringing comedic flair to the Boland faithful.

Leandie du Randt (Pretoria): Talented actress, author and content queen will be galvanising fans across the Jukskei with her captivating presence.

Anele Mdoda (Gqeberha): The vibrant radio queen and media personality will be sharing her vivacious energy with the passionate fans in her home province of the Eastern Cape.

"The Betway SA20 Auction is where the season starts but the 100-day countdown is where the fans join the journey," Betway SA20 League Commissioner, Graeme Smith said. "Through the 20th Player drive, we're putting our fans at the heart of the action. Every team has 19 players in their squads but it's the energy of the fans that makes the difference – they are our 20th Players."

The 20th Players will ignite excitement and inter-city rivalries across their platforms, engage communities and bring the fan energy across the 34 matches around the country. From fan contests, behind-the-scenes action, merch give-aways and ticket competitions, the 20th Players will be the main attraction off the field and the voices of the fans this summer. ​

Mdoda, the 94.7 radio and media personality, got into the swing of things at the recent Auction, where she experienced firsthand the thrill and excitement of Betway SA20. “There is just so much about the SA20 that hooks you in, the action-packed player auction and the stats about players had me doing my own research, I simply cannot wait for the matches to start.”

Bezuidenhout says Durban SA20 matches will be the place to be during the festive season: “I didn’t know a lot about cricket before SA20 but my learning curve is already a steep one after attending the Auction. I am completely sold on cricket now and I know that beyond a shadow of a doubt I am going to be the best 20th Player and Durban will be the place to be, so keep a look out for my shenanigans on and off the pitch.”

Another popular creator involved in this season’s rollout is fashionista and blogger Jaftha, who said that she was excited to be outdoors at an event that had something for everyone. “It’s going to be great being in the mix of things, the excitement of being at the actual matches, the electric atmosphere in the stadiums just the all-round ‘gees’, I can’t wait!” Jaftha said.

The first match of the season will see defending champions MI Cape Town take on Durban’s Super Giants at Newlands on 26 December. Tickets for the anticipated Season 4 will go live on 10 October at all six stadium ticket offices and ticketpro.co.za.

"This initiative is a celebration of our fans," Smith went on to add. "This is our way of bringing them along the incredible SA20 journey and giving them a platform to share their voices through our 20th Players’ channels.

"In our new festive season timeslot, there will be something for everyone this season. We will be making sure fans are at the heart of the quality entertainment on and off the field this summer.” ​