FINALS 2026 PLAYER PROFILE - VIHAN PRETORIUS (AFFIES)

Despite being the younger brother of Proteas' star Lhuan‑dré Pretorius, Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool's tremendously talented captain, Vihan Pretorius, has built his own brand in his cricketing journey over the last four years.

Like many young South Africans, cricket in the backyard was a staple during his early years. His early exposure to the game evolved into a passion that has shaped him into one of the finest school talents in the country.

It led to his SA u19 debut at just 17 years old, in Grade 11, against Bangladesh in Benoni in July 2025. He has also played in two Khaya Majola Weeks and won the Cubs Week with the Northern Champions - all before he began his final year at school.

Pretorius has been an integral part of the Affies' setup since 2023, when he was still only in Grade 9.

The experience he offers as an all‑rounder is matched by the importance of donning the captain's armband at the Switch Schools SA20 Volume 2 Finals. The national leg of the nationwide T20 competition begins on 4 March at the University of Pretoria.

"Since I was four years old, I have walked around with either a bat, a ball, or both. As a youngster, my brother and I played garden cricket, which played a massive role in my development.

“My father has also been a major factor in growing my game. His unwavering support has been the backbone of what I have achieved with my cricket so far," Pretorius told SuperSport Schools Plus when reflecting on his journey.

Alongside his father and his brother, coaches Jean Symes and Christiaan Jonker, the latter a former Protea in the shorter format, have played a pivotal role in shaping Vihan Pretorius into one of the brightest prospects of the next generation. But cricket is not his only talent.

In 2024, in Gqeberha, he ran out at fly‑half for the Blue Bulls, and played in the final of the Grant Khomo Week on the Kolisi Field at Grey High School against Western Province.

The Affies' captain is far from an orthodox cricketer. A left‑hander, his stroke‑making is a delight to watch. When given the freedom to express himself, his range of shots spans from reverse sweeps against seamers to the classical, beautifully-timed cover drive.

The only orthodox aspect of his bowling is the fact that he is a right-armer. He is multi-skilled, though, and they're all of the highest calibre. His cricketing intelligence and ability to swing the new ball, when bowling medium pace, are outstanding. However, it is his seamless ability to switch from seam to off‑spin that truly sets him apart.

Like the late Australian great Andrew Symonds, Pretorius can decide on the day which skill feels better during warm‑ups. He'll go with that and take wickets, no matter the choice.

Cricket runs deep in the Pretorius family. Vihan dreams of playing for the Proteas one day, but before that, he aims to make his debut for the Titans, ideally alongside Lhuan‑dré. With the mentality he has adopted from his role models, Tiger Woods and Ben Stokes, he has the drive to succeed.

Profile courtesy SuperSport Schools Plus.