Grit, Firepower, Home Advantage: Fierce Final Showdown Pool B battles await
Vihan Pretorius, captain of the Northern Champions, on day three of the CSA Cubs Week match against the Central Gladiators at Stellenbosch on 5 January 2026. Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images.
Pool B at the Switch Schools SA20 Volume Two Final Showdown promises a compelling clash of styles as Affies, Jeppe High School for Boys, Selborne College and Graeme College collide in Pretoria from 4–7 March.
Each side arrives with a distinct identity – including raw grit, explosive talent, hardened pedigree and home-ground confidence – but only two will survive the pool to reach Friday’s playoffs.
Affies enters the competition as one of the tournament favourites after a dominant six‑month run. Since October 2025, the Pretoria powerhouse has swept the Titans Platinum League, then won Phase One of the Switch Schools SA20 before claiming Phase Two and the Northern Regional title. They also had players represent the title-winning Northern Champions at the start of the year at the CSA Cubs Week. and the Northern Region title.
Their squad is stacked with multi‑skilled players, led by their ambidextrous captain Vihan Pretorius, who bats left‑handed but bowls right-arm seam or off‑spin, depending on what the conditions offer.
Pace spearheads Zian Labuschagne and Armin Snyman provide new‑ball bite, while JP Botha and the prodigiously talented Grade 10 star Christian Linde strengthen a dangerous batting core.
With home conditions in their favour, Affies will be extremely difficult to dislodge.
Jeppe, representing the Central Gauteng Lions, qualified through balance rather than individual dominance. Under the guidance of coaches Casey Arnold and Craig Templeton, the Black Caps have honed a clear blueprint built on shared responsibility and tactical clarity.
Captain Ryan Young anchors the batting along with Zizi Mkhize and Lincoln Casais, while a deep all‑round cast – including Aiden Reyneke, Vegas Scott, Daniel Keating and Phemelo Sekopane – gives Jeppe resilience in pressure moments. Their in-form seamer, Keegan Cockburn, leads a disciplined bowling lineup. Their opener against Graeme College will set the tone.
Selborne College arrives with momentum after a polished qualifying campaign, fuelled by their innovative Selborne Big Bash, a franchise-style internal competition, that re-energised cricketing passion on the East London school’s campus.
Captain Matt Hendry, Cian O’Neil and Josh Wilkie headline a confident batting unit, while strike bowler Avethandwa Manyongo, spinner Lwando Gwaza and death specialist Daniel Tarr offer variety and control. A strong team culture is their competitive edge.
Graeme College completes the quartet, bringing a gritty, fight-to-the-last-ball mindset to the battle.
With enviable experience and proven performance from captain Andrew Muir, all‑rounders Luphelo Mdyesha and Corbin Tidbury, and seamers Jordan Damons and Caleb Jattiem, the Makhanda side returns wiser after last year’s challenging debut, eager to convert lessons into victories.
The four schools carry strong belief, but different qualities, into The Final Showdown. Pool B is, therefore, set for a tight, uncompromising battle in which every session will matter.
