MI Cape Town’s Dewald Brevis is AB de Villiers’ favourite of the lot, and believes he is in good contention to win the SA20 Rising Star Award for season three. Photo: Sportzpics
Former Proteas star AB de Villiers has named a few young talents in the Betway SA20 league that could shine in the third season.
Season 3 of the SA20 kicks off in Gqeberha on Thursday (5.30pm start), with the Sunrisers Eastern Cape hosting MI Cape Town at St George’s Park.
With the league now a breeding ground for young cricket talent, De Villiers named nine players from the six teams that may potentially have an impact on the tournament.
These include Durban’s Super Giant’s Bryce Parsons, who De Villiers believes is a “powerful left-handed batter” that reminds him of David Miller.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s Jordan Hermann was scouted by ‘Mr 360’ as a wonderful player who is “easy on the eye”.
The SEC’s Andile Simelane also caught the former Proteas captain’s attention.
St George's Park - Where Champions Come Home 🏆 #BetwaySA20 #WelcomeToIncredible pic.twitter.com/h8QOZyyrPs
— Betway SA20 (@SA20_League) January 8, 2025
Simelane has big-match experience under his belt following his breakout season, and could boost his confidence going into the SA20 league.
“He’s a very handy all-rounder, wins you matches with both bat and ball, and I cannot wait to watch him perform.”
MI Cape Town’s Dewald Brevis is De Villiers’ favourite of the lot, and believes he is in good contention to win the Rising Star Award for season three.
“I tip this guy to win this award. I have been saying good things about his cricket for a very long time now, and I do believe the Betway SA20 Season 3 is his season to perform.”
Joburg Super Kings duo Gerald Coetzee and JP King could also make waves this season, with De Villiers touting Coetzee as a leading wicket-taker for the league.
Pretoria Capitals’ Steve Stolk was noted for his powerful hitting potential.
Paarl Royals duo Kwena Maphaka and Nqaba Peter are his remaining two prospects, and have risen in performance and stature of the past year. Both have also played for the Proteas team.
“Maphaka, the young left-arm fast bowler who can bowl at the speed of light, who will be running out for the Paarl Royals, is definitely a prospect for the Rising Star Award,” he said.
“Equally, Nqaba Peter is a great prospect for the future of the Proteas set-up,” De Villiers added.