As part of the prize for winning the boys and girls Schools SA20 competition, the programme will provide a full scholarship to a promising cricketer (Grade 7 boy and girl learner) to attend the winning schools, covering annual school fees, hostel fees (if applicable) and additional costs, the SACA and SA20 say. "We are proud to partner with SACA to launch this groundbreaking scholarship programme," Graeme Smith, SA20 Commissioner says. "This initiative is a key part of our commitment to promoting the development of young cricket talent in South Africa and providing opportunities for talented young cricketers to pursue their dreams."  The scholarship programme is designed to support the holistic development of young cricketers, both on and off the field. In addition to providing financial support, the programme will also provide recipients with access to a dedicated SACA Player Development Manager (PDM), who will provide guidance and support to help them achieve their goals, the duo adds. 

SACA CEO, Andrew Breetzke, says, "SA20 getting directly involved in the development of cricket at school level is to be applauded. SACA is proud to be working with SA20 on this initiative and we look forward to supporting the scholarship recipients on their journey through high school." 

All the cricketers participating in the Final Showdown starting this week will have their matches televised. They will also be taken through integrity sessions by SACA (an introductory education session for the players on matters of anti-corruption and anti-doping to assist them in managing these risks), batting, bowling and fielding masterclasses with guest coaches AB de Villiers, Dinesha Devnarain and Kruger van Wyk, as well as media education, SACA and SA20 say. SA20, in collaboration with Cricket South Africa (CSA), launched this national competition in September 2024 to discover and nurture cricket talent among both girls and boys in the U19 age group. Over 370 boys' school teams and 200 girls' school teams participated in the national competition, with over 1 000 matches played across all provinces in the country. The competition will come to a head from Wednesday, 12 to Saturday, 15 March in Pretoria, with the top boys' and girls' teams competing in the Final Showdown, where the inaugural Schools SA20 Champions will be crowned, the duo says. Spectators are encouraged to head to the Tuks Oval to cheer on the future of South African cricket. The Final on Saturday will be a family-friendly outing with food and beverages on sale, shaded areas for picnics, live music and action-packed school cricket, the duo says. All matches from the Finals Showdown week will be live on the SuperSport Schools app, DStv Channel 216 and SABC Plus. The girls' final on Saturday, 15 March, will be shown on DStv Channel 209, the duo concludes.

For more information, visit www.schools.sa20.co.za. You can also follow SA20 Schools on Facebook, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor