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SCHOOLS SA20 STARS EYE BIG BREAK AT UPCOMING SA20 PLAYER AUCTION

2 Sep 20254 mins

The countdown is on for the SA20 Player Auction on 9 September 2025, and all eyes are on a new wave of schoolboy talent emerging from the Schools SA20 pipeline - in fact a lucky 13 'graduates' from the inaugural season have made the final player list.

With the introduction of the new Under-23 player regulations by the League, replacing the previous Rookie Draft, the door is now wide open for top young performers to earn professional contracts and step into South Africa’s premier T20 cricket stage.

ALSO READ: Schools SA20 Final Showdown in numbers

Among the brightest prospects is Bishops Diocesan College captain James Robb-Quinlan, the inaugural Schools SA20 Player of the Tournament, whose all-round performances with bat (160 runs) and wicketkeeping gloves (4 dismissals) for the eventual champions deservedly earned him the award. His schoolmate, Adnaan Lagadien scored 170 runs during the 'Final Showdown' and claimed Batter of the Tournament honours, underlining Bishops' growing reputation as a powerhouse of schools cricket.

St David’s Marist Inanda, who were the runners-up, are also well represented, with SA U19 co-captain Jason Rowles leading a talented crop of graduates. His explosive batting, nifty left-arm spinners and leadership have made him a hot prospect. Adding to the intrigue of the Player Auction are the Manack twins, Armaan and Morteza, who have consistently impressed with bat and ball, and whose versatility could make them valuable picks for SA20 franchises.

St David's Marist Inanda's trio of Jason Rowles, Armaan Manack, Morteza Manack have made the Player Auction list

Other young stars who'll be eagerly tuned into the player auction are Cayden Wilson, who led Pearson High School to the Final Showdown final eight tournament. Vihan Pretorius, meanwhile, saw his older brother earn a SA20 gig with Paarl Royals while he was a schoolboy... what chance he does the same. Meanwhile, Central Gauteng Lions champions Hoërskool Noordheuwel have two of their cricket stars up for auction in captain and heavy-scoring batter Corne Botha as well as left-arm quick JJ Basson.

Vihan Pretorius will hope to follow in his brother's footsteps in being signed to play in SA20 while still a schoolboy.

Those whose teams were knocked out in the first phase includes Daniël Bosman (Rondebosch Boys' High School) and Paul James (Wynberg Boys' High School) who lost out in Western Province's semifinals as well as Bayanda Majola (Durban High School) in KwaZulu-Natal Coastal and Christian Sabela (King Edward VII School) and Alexander Wiest (Northcliff High School) out of Central Gauteng Lions.

The new Under-23 rules aim to strengthen the development pathway from school to professional cricket, ensuring that franchises invest in local youth while keeping their squads competitive. For these young stars, 9 September may mark the moment their schoolground dreams become incredible realities.

SCHOOLS SA20 EDITION 1 STARS ON SA20 PLAYER AUCTION LIST