Dream11 has been appointed as the official ‘Fantasy Sports Partner’ for the Betway SA20 Season 2 starting on 10 January 2024.This strategic partnership with Dream11, India's leading fantasy sports application with a user base of over 200 million Cricket fans in the largest cricket market in the world, marks a significant milestone in bringing together South Africa’s premier T20 tournament with the passion of cricket fans in India.
India being a key strategic market, with six Indian Premier League (IPL) teams also owning teams in the SA20, the partnership with Dream11 unlocks an opportunity to connect with millions of cricket fans across the subcontinent.
“It’s a huge coup for us to welcome Dream11 to our stable as our ‘Fantasy Sports Partner’,”Betway SA20 League Commissioner, Graeme Smith said. “This partnership is the coming together of two dynamic platforms that share a commitment to delivering unparalleled entertainment to cricket fans. With Dream11’s extensive user base and influence in India, we see incredible potential to engage with fans and have a platform to enhance the engagement of fans with SA20.”

Speaking about the partnership, Vikrant Mudaliar, Chief Marketing Officer, Dream11 said: “Partnerships are core to our strategy and have played a key role in Dream11 becoming the world’s largest fantasy sports platform. We are excited to join forces with SA20, a league known for its thrilling and entertaining cricket. Through this partnership, we aim to reach new users and help them engage with the sport that they love. Together, we look forward to offering fans an unparalleled fantasy sports experience during the upcoming SA20 Season 2.”
Dream11, renowned for revolutionizing the way fans engage with their favourite sport, has become a household name in India. With over 200 million users, the platform has played a
pivotal role in developing the fantasy sports industry in the country. Dream11 is currently the lead sponsor of the Indian Men’s and Women’s National cricket team.

Betway SA20 Season 2 is set to kick off on January 10, 2024, with a blockbuster match between Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Joburg Super Kings at St George’s Park in Gqeberha. The world’s best cricketers will be on show including Jos Buttler, Kieron Pollard, Liam Livingstone, Nicholas Pooran, Moeen Ali and Romario Shepherd to name a few. Tickets for all round-robin matches, the Final and Playoffs are available for purchase on www.SA20.co.za

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

The opening clash of the highly anticipated Betway SA20 Season 2 is set to unfold at St George’s Park this Wednesday, marking the start of what promises to be an enthralling tournament.

Sunrisers Eastern Cape, the reigning champions, will face a significant challenge in their quest to defend their title as they square off against Joburg Super Kings. The clash holds added weight as the Super Kings seek to avenge their semifinal defeat to the Sunrisers at Centurion in the previous season.

The team from Johannesburg has tasted success at this iconic stadium before, triumphing in Gqeberha last season and securing victories in both group matches, including a win over the Sunrisers at the Wanderers.

This inaugural match pledges to be a thrilling spectacle, with both sides boasting an array of talented players that promise exciting matchups. Notably, both teams feature adept young fast bowlers, with Marco Jansen leading the attack for Sunrisers Eastern Cape, and Gerald Coetzee and Nandre Burger spearheading the JSK bowling unit.

Burger, eager to form a formidable opening bowling partnership with Coetzee, expressed his anticipation pending his teammate's recovery from a recent pelvic inflammation that sidelined him from the recent Test against India at Newlands.

The absence of the influential Roelof van der Merwe in Season 2 will be felt by the Sunrisers. However, coach Adrian Birrell strategically reinforced the team by bringing back Simon Harmer to the Eastern Cape. Harmer, known for his tenacity on the field, is expected to bring a competitive edge to the Sunrisers, having been part of the first trade in the League.

Despite the excitement surrounding the defending champions, Harmer emphasized the team's focus on winning the trophy this year rather than solely defending their title. He reflected on his cricketing journey, highlighting his affinity for Gqeberha, where his career took flight as a young player.

Unfortunately, the Sunrisers have encountered setbacks with the late withdrawals of Sisanda Magala and Craig Overton due to injury. Their absence has prompted the inclusion of hard-hitting all-rounder Patrick Kruger in the squad.

St George’s Park is expected to host a vibrant and lively atmosphere as witnessed during the previous season, with Grammy Award-winning Zakes Bantwini headlining the pre-match festivities supported by a blend of electronic dance music and violin by Veranda Panda.

The pre-match entertainment is scheduled to commence at 4:20 pm, leading up to the match kick-off at 5:30 pm. Gates will open at 2:30 pm, allowing fans early access ahead of the opening ceremony.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

In a sensational showcase of cricket brilliance, South Africa steamrolled India in a dominating display, securing a commanding win in the series opener at Supersport Park, Centurion.

The Proteas' triumph was spearheaded by the stunning performance of debutant left-arm pacer Nandre Burger, who left cricket enthusiasts awestruck with his impressive figures of 4-33. Supported by Kagiso Rabada's prowess with the ball and Marco Jansen's valuable contributions, India succumbed to a mere second-innings total of 131 runs, granting South Africa a resounding victory by an innings and 32 runs, elevating them to a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

The 28-year-old Burger showcased his talent by clinching a remarkable match haul of 7-83, while Rabada's stellar performance secured 7-91 across both innings, highlighting his exceptional 5-59 in the first innings.

"We fell short in our quest for victory," expressed Indian skipper Rohit Sharma. "We couldn't capitalize on the favorable conditions with the ball and stumbled in our batting performance today. To conquer Tests overseas, a collective effort is vital, and regrettably, we couldn't deliver that. Our batsmen encountered challenges and struggled to adapt."

The Proteas' initial innings concluded at an imposing 408, primarily driven by Dean Elgar's monumental 185-run innings. India had earlier been dismissed for 245 in their first innings. Elgar, reflecting on his exceptional innings, remarked, "It was an extraordinary knock. I focused on playing patiently and sticking to the basics. Bagging 20 wickets was crucial... 'KG' (Rabada) was outstanding, and Burger showcased why he's a promising talent in South African cricket. Despite India's strength, we executed our game plan effectively."

India faced an uphill battle in their second innings, struggling right from the outset. Despite resistance from Shubman Gill and skipper Virat Kohli, the innings crumbled swiftly, concluding in just 34.1 overs across less than two sessions.
The disappointing batting display followed South Africa's modest addition of 16 runs to their first innings post-lunch. Skipper Temba Bavuma's sidelining due to a hamstring injury incurred during fielding resulted in his absence in the upcoming Cape Town Test. Zubayr Hamza joins the squad as cover, with Elgar assuming captaincy responsibilities.

Though Jasprit Bumrah displayed spirited bowling effort with 4-69, India couldn't halt South Africa's dominant performance, dampening their hopes of a series win away in South Africa.The two sides are poised for the second and
final Test at Newlands Cricket Stadium, starting on January 3, with South Africa eyeing a series victory to affirm their supremacy.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

In a groundbreaking move set to captivate the burgeoning cricket audience in North America, Betway SA20 Season 2 is gearing up for an exclusive showcase on Willow TV, announced Friday, December 29, 2023. Willow TV, renowned for its comprehensive coverage of international cricket, joins an esteemed global lineup of broadcasters, including SuperSport (Sub-Saharan Africa), Viacom (India), Sky Sports (UK), FoxTel (Australasia), Estisalat (UAE), and ICC TV (worldwide), in presenting the highly anticipated 34-match tournament kicking off on January 10, 2024.

Amid the forthcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup spotlighting the USA and Caribbean in the coming year, this partnership stands poised to enrapture the rapidly expanding cricket aficionados across the region. Graeme Smith, Betway SA20 League Commissioner, acknowledges the tremendous potential of this burgeoning market, hailing it as the opportune moment to unveil the much-awaited SA20 Season 2 to fervent fans.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with Willow TV in extending the thrill of Betway SA20 to cricket enthusiasts in North America. As the sport gains significant traction in this region, this exclusive broadcasting pact ensures fans become part of the charged ambiance of SA20 Season 2," remarked Smith.

Promising an electrifying viewing experience, Willow TV emerges as the perfect ally to showcase the dynamic and competitive universe of SA20 to a broader audience. Todd Myers, Chief Operating Officer of Willow TV, expressed pride in being designated as the official broadcaster of Betway SA20 in the USA and Canada.

"The inclusion of SA20 Season 2 in our lineup underscores our commitment to offering the finest in international and domestic cricket to our viewers. We eagerly anticipate highlighting the talent and thrill that this captivating league brings to the T20 format," said Myers.

Commencing January 10, 2024, cricket enthusiasts across North America can savor the excitement of SA20 Season 2, promising a showcase of top-tier cricketing talent, intense rivalries, and unparalleled entertainment. Through this collaboration, the League and Willow TV aim not only to engage existing fans but also to entice new cricket enthusiasts, fostering the sport's growth in the region.

The inaugural clash at St George’s Park on January 10 will witness Sunrisers Eastern Cape battling Joburg Super Kings in a month-long extravaganza. Tickets for league matches are available for purchase at www.sa20.co.za.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Mark your calendars for January 10, 2024, as the highly anticipated return of Betway SA20 draws closer, promising a thrilling showcase of top-notch cricketing action. With Betway back as the title sponsor, the renowned sports betting and entertainment brand is all set to escalate the excitement with the revival of the Betway Catch R2 Million campaign.

Hailed as an unprecedented success in Season 1, the Betway Catch R2 Million campaign captured the imagination of fans, granting numerous lucky spectators a slice of the R2 million prize pool by catching a one-handed clean six during the exhilarating Betway SA20 matches.

Assembling some of the world's finest batsmen, South Africa's premier T20 cricket league is geared up to ignite Season 2, offering fans in the stands a significantly increased opportunity to net the life-changing catch.

Beyond the enthralling on-field clashes, match attendees are in for an amplified stadium experience, merging world-class cricket with stellar performances by top South African entertainment artists.

Graeme Smith, the Betway SA20 League Commissioner, emphasized the paramount importance of elevating fan engagement for the league's second edition. "Fan engagement is crucial for any spectacular sporting event, and the Betway Catch R2 Million competition epitomizes this," remarked Smith. "The excitement it generated among fans in Season 1 was unparalleled. Witnessing the fervor spread across stadiums and beyond was incredible, and having it return for Season 2 adds an extra layer of thrill to the game. It offers fans a unique chance to actively participate and vie for a life-altering reward. I'm excited to witness the catching action this season."

Mark Rowles, Betway's Head of Marketing, expressed eagerness at Betway's role in driving innovative initiatives that resonate with the brand's fervor for sports and fan involvement. "As proud sponsors of Betway SA20, we're thrilled to build on the triumph of the inaugural edition," Rowles shared. "The success of the Betway Catch R2 Million campaign in engaging fans at stadiums and viewers at home was remarkable. Bringing it back for Season 2 amplifies the excitement. We encourage fans to join in and increase their chances of winning big by registering a Betway account. Alongside the Catch R2 Million campaign, we're launching an exciting new promotion called 'Game of Zones' during the opening fixture week."

For Betway customers nationwide unable to attend matches, a thrilling opportunity awaits. They can predict the specific stadium zone where a clean, one-handed catch will be taken. Correct predictions offer customers a chance to win the same amount as live catch winners in the stadium.

Continuing the tradition from the previous season, Betway account holders stand to double their winnings if they catch a one-handed clean catch during the matches.

The Betway SA20 extravaganza spans from January 10 to February 10, 2024, across Cape Town, Pretoria, Durban, Gqeberha, Johannesburg, and Paarl. Kicking off the action at St George's Park in Gqeberha, defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape will face off against Joburg Super Kings on January 10. Tickets for these exhilarating matches are available at www.SA20.co.za. Gear up for an unforgettable T20 cricket experience!
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Big Concerts, in a joint effort with Michael Bublé and his team, made a major announcement today regarding the highly-anticipated "Higher Tour." Originally set for 2024, the tour has been postponed, marking a difficult but thoughtful decision aimed at granting Michael a well-deserved break from his demanding tour schedule.

The captivating "Higher Tour" is now rescheduled to enthral South African audiences in 2025. This hiatus is not just a breather but a chance for Michael to invest precious moments with his family and reignite his creative spark, ensuring an unparalleled musical experience that South Africans have been eagerly anticipating.

We're committed to keeping South African fans in the loop throughout the upcoming year. Expect to be fully engaged and informed about all updates regarding the rescheduled tour. And the excitement peaks as we await the unveiling of the brand new 2025 tour dates, promising an unforgettable journey into the world of Michael Bublé's music.

Michael Bublé and Big Concerts extend heartfelt gratitude to their South African fans for their unwavering support and understanding. The anticipation for the "Higher Tour" in 2025 is brewing, and rest assured, it will absolutely be worth every moment of the wait. Get ready to join us as we anticipate an extraordinary musical odyssey with Michael Bublé. Stay tuned for more updates!
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

As the countdown to the exhilarating Betway SA20 Season 2 kick-off begins, SuperSport is gearing up to deliver an electrifying viewing experience that promises to redefine the cricket-watching landscape. Set to commence on January 10, 2024, at St George's Park in Gqeberha, Season 2 is all set to surpass its successful debut with a multitude of innovations and immersive elements.

Anticipating an explosive start following its inaugural triumph, SuperSport, in collaboration with its partners, is geared up to introduce a series of pioneering innovations. These advancements are meticulously designed to enthrall television audiences and fans, elevating their viewing encounters to uncharted realms of excitement and engagement.

Picture this: the Com Cam, offering a fixed view of the commentary box, boasting renowned former international cricketers delivering expert analysis. But that's not all. SuperSport's innovative blend of match-day and on-screen experiences includes the Dug Out, a boundary-level camera bridging the gap between viewers and players/coaches near the ropes. Not forgetting the iconic Couch, where commentators, fans, and celebrities converge, creating an interactive cricket-watching extravaganza.

However, SuperSport isn't just aiming for the stands. They're bringing the stadium experience right to your living room. Match Official technology will grant viewers a peek into the live communication among umpires during matches - an unprecedented facet for Betway SA20. Notably, audiences won't just hear the third umpire but also the on-field umpires' direct exchanges.

Rendani Ramovha, CEO of SuperSport, expressed sheer delight at the prospect of sharing unparalleled experiences with both stadium attendees and viewers alike. "SuperSport is upping the ante from Season 1 to match the pulsating action of Betway SA20. Whether you're tuned in via DStv Stream or Premium, we're ensuring an enthralling experience, rivaling the excitement of being at the venue itself," said Ramovha.

In a summer brimming with cricketing excitement, SuperSport is all set to offer live on-field player tracking, gamified player-naming features, and the revolutionary BuggyQam - a mobile camera placing viewers right amidst the cricketing action.

Moreover, the inclusion of animations featuring the iconic Big 5 wildlife adds a uniquely South African flavor to the League. Expect amusing illustrations of dismissals, fours, and sixes, amplifying the viewer experience.

League Commissioner Graeme Smith echoed the sentiments, emphasizing the joint efforts of Betway SA20 and SuperSport in elevating viewer engagement and connection. "Innovation is at our core, and we aim to redefine cricket viewing while fostering an immersive platform for fans. Whether you're at home or in the stadium, brace yourself for an unforgettable experience," stated Smith.

SuperSport is breaking barriers further by offering match commentary in three official South African languages: English, Afrikaans, and isiXhosa, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for diverse viewers.

Get ready for a cricket season that transcends boundaries - an immersive, exhilarating spectacle that promises to captivate audiences like never before.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

In a triumphant revival reminiscent of a prodigal son's return, Dave Matthews Band shattered a ten-year hiatus in spectacular fashion at the Sunbet Arena in Pretoria this past Sunday. While the band's performances in the Republic have been infrequent, their recent show proved worth the wait, leaving audiences spellbound with a musical extravaganza spanning over three electrifying hours.
Seemingly lured by the festive season and perhaps drawn by connections to friends and family, the band, known for their jam-packed performances, made up for lost time with an unrelenting display of their expansive sound. Their songs morphed into sonic journeys, traversing various musical landscapes within the same composition.
The concert unfolded with a vibrant explosion of rippling trumpet and saxophone solos from Rashawn Ross and Jeff Coffin, igniting a fervent rendition of "Fool in the Rain." This evolved into a progressive, jazz-rock symphony, marking merely the inception of the night's extended improvisations. Carter Beauford's dynamic drumming resonated crisply, intertwining seamlessly with Stefan Lessard's playful basslines, providing a stable foundation throughout the evening's performance.

Despite their monumental success globally, Dave Matthews Band has always divided audiences, harboring a devoted yet polarized fan base. Surprisingly, the concert witnessed a lower turnout, leaving the upper seating levels unoccupied—a stark contrast to their sold-out Dome concert, a decade ago.
However, the band's influence is undeniable. U2, Metallica and Dave Matthews Band are among the top-touring artists of the last 40 years. That is according to concert industry publication Pollstar, which tallied the best-selling and highest-grossing artists in its 40-year history, specifically between July 7, 1980, and July 1, 2022. U2 is number 1 on the list for most tickets sold, with a total of 26,178,043. DMB follows at number 2 with 23,279,056. The talent in the versatile seven-piece unit is impossible to deny and when they are in full swing, like they were on Sunday.

Although the band's amalgamation of genres, rooted in rock, funk, blues, and jazz, would seem more at home in vibrant locales like New Orleans, instead of Pretoria, they were well received. Their free-spirited, improvisational style received an additional boost with a cameo appearance by local legend Vusi Mahlasela, known as the Voice of South Africa, adding a spirited flair to their rendition of "Everyday."

While their setlist featured fan-favorites like "The Space Between," "Crush," "Ant Marching," and "So Much," notable omissions of chart-toppers like "Crash into Me" and " Dont Drink The Water" left some concert-goers disappointed. However, this exclusion revealed Matthews' evolution as an artist, his concerns now revolving around impermanence and liberation, reflected in the band's newer material, such as “ Madman’s Eyes”, a song about guns in his native USA.

Remarkably, the band's spontaneity shines through in their ever-changing nightly setlists, diverging from the conventional pre-production patterns. Embracing improvisation mere hours before the show, each performance becomes a unique experience, a testament to their artistry and dedication to providing fans with an unparalleled live encounter.

In collaboration with Big Concerts, Dave Matthews Band's triumphant return to South Africa was nothing short of a musical odyssey, a testament to their unwavering commitment to evolving their craft while delivering unforgettable live experiences to their fervent fanbase.

Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer ( Media Manager)

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Johannesburg - Cricket South Africa (CSA) has unveiled the highly anticipated Proteas squads set to clash against India in a blockbuster all-format series, known as the Freedom Series, slated from 10th December to 7th January.

The high-stakes tour encompasses three KFC T20 Internationals (T20Is), three Betway One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and two Betway Test matches, promising an action-packed battle between the cricketing giants.

Excitingly, the squads feature fresh talent and strategic inclusions. Western Province's rising stars Mihlali Mpongwana, David Bedingham, and Nandre Burger have received their maiden call-ups to the national setup. Burger's sensational all-round performances this season earned him spots in all three squads, while Bedingham earned his place in the Test squad. Mpongwana's stellar showing in the CSA Division 1 One-Day Cup solidified his spot in the ODI squad after a standout performance in October's final against North West Dragons.

Adding more firepower, Dafabet Warriors' Tristan Stubbs makes his Test squad debut, showcasing his prowess with an impressive 130 against DP World Lions in the recent CSA 4-Day Domestic Series.

The return of Province's wicket-keeper Kyle Verreynne bolsters the ODI and Test squads. Verreynne's stellar performances in domestic competitions, including leading Province to the One-Day Cup title and a splendid show in the four-day competition, secured his place.

Key exclusions, including ODI captain Temba Bavuma and Kagiso Rabada, from the white-ball leg aim to prioritize red-ball cricket, focusing on the upcoming Test series. This strategic move paves the way for new talents to shine on the international stage.

However, the absence of Momentum Multiply Titans' fast bowler Lizaad Williams due to a groin strain casts a shadow over the team's preparations. His fitness will be assessed further this week. Meanwhile, Anrich Nortje and Wayne Parnell continue their rehabilitation, ruled out due to lower back stress fracture and a left shoulder injury, respectively.

The Proteas T20I squad boasts talent with Aiden Markram leading the team, featuring a formidable lineup including Ottniel Baartman, Matthew Breetzke, and the seasoned David Miller, among others. The ODI squad, led by Markram, showcases a blend of experience and fresh talent with the likes of Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen.

Test head coach Shukri Conrad expressed confidence in the near full-strength Test squad, aiming for a strong start in the new ICC World Test Championship cycle against India in South Africa.

As the excitement builds for this epic showdown, the tour itinerary promises thrilling encounters across various iconic cricketing venues. The series kicks off in Durban on 10th December, setting the stage for a riveting battle between these cricketing powerhouses.

The Proteas gear up to defend their pride on home soil against a formidable Indian team in a series anticipated to deliver enthralling cricketing action, setting the stage for a memorable clash between bat and ball.

Tour itinerary

KFC T20I Series

Sunday, 10 December
South Africa vs India - Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, Durban

Tuesday, 12 December
South Africa vs India – Dafabet St George’s Park, Gqeberha

Thursday, 14 December
South Africa vs India - DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

Betway ODI Series

Sunday, 17 December - Betway Pink Day
South Africa vs India - DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

Tuesday, 19 December
South Africa vs India – Dafabet St George’s Park, Gqeberha

Thursday, 21 December
South Africa vs India - Boland Park, Paarl

Betway Test Series

26 December – 30 December
South Africa vs India - SuperSport Park, Centurion

03 January – 07 January
South Africa vs India - Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town


[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

The Sevens Stadium in Dubai bore witness to an electrifying start as Australia's women and South Africa's men emerged triumphant in the HSBC SVNS 2024, setting the tone for World Rugby's dynamic celebration of rugby sevens.

In an intense showdown, South Africa's Blitzboks claimed their fifth consecutive Emirates Dubai 7s title by defeating a resilient Argentina 12-7. This victory equaled the record for the most successive titles at a single location, marking Argentina's finest performance in Dubai despite settling for silver.

The women's final showcased a gripping battle between the world's top two teams. Australia, in a rematch of last year's final, halted New Zealand's astounding 41-match winning streak with a 26-19 victory, securing their fourth consecutive Dubai title in a high-voltage kickoff to HSBC SVNS 2024.

Teagan Levi's pivotal tries, coupled with Maddison Levi breaking her own tournament try record, propelled Australia to victory. The game unfolded at an astounding pace, featuring Bienne Tarita's early try within seconds and a formidable response from the Black Ferns Sevens' Jorja Miller with a stunning hat-trick, before Maddison Levi sealed the win in the dying moments.

Reflecting on the match, Australia's captain Charlotte Caslick praised Maddison Levi's stellar performance, emphasizing the team's strategy to retain possession against the formidable New Zealand side, known for their attacking prowess.

On the path to the final, New Zealand showcased their dominance by defeating Brazil and Canada in gripping encounters, while Australia secured wins against the USA and France before claiming the championship.

The men's final witnessed South Africa edging out Argentina 12-7 in a tense battle. Impi Visser and Shilton van Wyk's crucial tries, combined with Argentina's valiant efforts, culminated in a tightly contested showdown. Despite a late resurgence from Argentina's Matias Osadczuk, South Africa held firm to secure the title.

South Africa's acting head coach, Philip Snyman, lauded his squad's remarkable performances, emphasizing their commitment and pride in the Springbok Sevens jersey.

With the series now heading to South Africa, fans eagerly anticipate the forthcoming tournament in Cape Town, hoping for another stellar performance from the reigning champions.

The event's pool draw for the upcoming HSBC SVNS in Cape Town produced exciting matchups, building anticipation among fans for another exhilarating display of world-class rugby sevens.

As the HSBC SVNS extravaganza continues, featuring pulsating rugby sevens action alongside live music acts and vibrant entertainment, fans are urged not to miss out on the upcoming Cape Town event, set to deliver yet another thrilling display of top-tier rugby action.

Tickets for the next round in Cape Town on 9-10 December are available from only R150, offering an unmissable experience for rugby enthusiasts and sports lovers alike.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]