Switch Schools SA20 Volume 2 set to launch in KwaZulu-Natal this weekend

The Switch Schools SA20 is back for its second edition, with Volume 2 kicking off on Sunday in KwaZulu-Natal. Once again, the country’s most promising school cricketers will have the opportunity to showcase their skills and compete for the coveted Switch Schools SA20 title.

The inaugural competition earlier this year crowned Bishops Diocesan College (Western Cape) and Steyn City School (Gauteng) as the first Boys’ and Girls’ champions, respectively. That finals week in Pretoria produced unforgettable moments, including a brilliant century from Steyn City’s Karabo Meso in the Girls’ Final.

Meso’s remarkable rise has since continued – she is now part of the Proteas Women’s squad preparing for the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. She was also among five players from Volume 1 who represented South Africa at the ICC U19 Women’s World Cup in Malaysia, where the team finished runners-up.

On the Boys’ side, the tournament unearthed stars such as Bayanda Majola and JJ Basson, both of whom were signed at the recent Betway SA20 Season 4 auction by Pretoria Capitals and Paarl Royals, respectively.

The Switch Schools SA20 has expanded significantly in its second year, with participation rising from 519 to 630 schools nationwide. The competition is fully inclusive, welcoming Government, Independent, and Focus Schools, as well as Cricket South Africa Hubs across all 16 member unions – making it the largest national schools cricket tournament in the country.

This year's coverage on Supersport Schools will also be elevated with select fixtures in each of the three phases featuring and enhanced production, including commentary, multi-camera coverage and broadcast on DSTV Channel 216. ​Some matches this weekend in KZN will be the first of these enhanced broadcast productions.

The competition format is as follows:

• Phase 1 – Regional league matches across all 16 unions, totalling 764 fixtures (449 boys’ and 315 girls’ games). Winners progress to Phase 2. ​

Over 100 matches will be streamed live on the SuperSport Schools app, with select games on DStv Channel 216.

• Phase 2 – Regional champions face off in 80 qualifier matches, hosted at premier stadiums across the country. ​

The majority of fixtures will be broadcast live on the SuperSport Schools app, with select matches on DStv Channel 216. ​

• Finals Week (Phase 3) – The nation’s best teams – the top eight boys’ and six girls’ sides – compete for ultimate glory between 27 February and 1 March 2026. All 25 matches will be broadcast live. ​

“We are excited to get Volume 2 of the Switch Schools SA20 underway,” said Graeme Smith, SA20 League Commissioner. “The first edition was a tremendous success, producing incredible stories and unearthing talent that is already making its mark on the global stage. With Switch as our title partner, we are confident this platform will continue to inspire and provide young South African cricketers with a clear pathway to the big stage.”