SuperSport Schools to exclusively stream and broadcast Schools SA20

SuperSport Schools is proud to announce its exclusive partnership as the official streaming and broadcasting partner for the inaugural Schools SA20, a groundbreaking cricket competition aimed at discovering and nurturing the next generation of cricket talent among both girls and boys across South Africa.

Running from September 2024 to March 2025, this thrilling national tournament will feature schools from all 16 regions competing for the coveted title of Schools SA20 champions. With over 370 boys’ school teams and more than 200 girls’ school teams participating, more than 1,000 matches will be played, offering a platform for young athletes to shine on a national stage.

In a milestone for women’s cricket, the Schools SA20 will include a dedicated girls’ competition, reflecting a commitment to breaking barriers and advancing the women’s game in South Africa. This competition will also be instrumental in preparing the Proteas’ u19 Girls team for the ICC u19 Women’s World Cup in Malaysia in 2025.

The competition will be conducted in three phases:

• Phase 1: Provincial Competitions (September-November 2024)
• Phase 2: Regional Playoffs (January-February 2025)
• Phase 3: National Finals (March 13-15, 2025)

Schools SA20 is an extension of SA20’s mission to provide continuous opportunities for young cricketers in South Africa, building on the success of the Rookie draft system introduced in SA20 Season 2. As the exclusive broadcaster, SuperSport Schools is committed to “bringing you the sport you care about most,” ensuring that fans can access every moment of this thrilling competition.

Graeme Smith, SA20 League Commissioner, highlighted the importance of this tournament: “Schools SA20 is more than just a competition; it’s a vital contributor to our cricketing future. Many current Protea Men and Women stars began their journeys at the school level, and I’m excited to see the next generation showcase their skills. This competition will undoubtedly bring the next teenage cricket sensation to the global stage.”

Smith continued, “SA20 is also committed to working with CSA to invest in the women’s game in South Africa. Our sponsorship of the U19 Girls’ Camps, alongside CSA’s and the government’s initiatives to professionalize the women’s game, will be crucial in developing the next generation of Proteas Women players.”

Future Proteas Men and Women stars such as Kagiso Rabada, Laura Wolvaardt, and Nadine de Klerk started their cricketing journeys at school level. Their success serves as inspiration for the young cricketers set to compete in Schools SA20, reminding us that “World Cups are won ten years before they’re played,”

Cricket South Africa CEO Pholetsi Moseki, who attended the launch event at Wanderers Stadium, shared his excitement: “Schools SA20 is set to make a significant impact on the future of cricket in South Africa. By bringing together the best young talent from across the country, this competition will play a crucial role in the growth of the sport. For many young athletes, this will be a stepping stone towards professional cricket, with the potential to unearth the next generation of SA20 and Proteas stars.”

As the exclusive streaming and broadcasting partner, SuperSport Schools will bring Schools SA20 to a global audience, with over 200 matches live-streamed and broadcast across various media platforms and a selected few to be available on DStv Channel 216. This partnership reflects our mission to bring fans “the future Olympians and World Cup winners,” and we are excited to witness the rise of South Africa’s next cricketing legends.