The grand stage is set for an electrifying Betway SA20 Season 3 final as defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape chase an unprecedented third consecutive title against first-time finalists MI Cape Town at Wanderers. The stakes couldn’t be higher, with history beckoning for one side and redemption fueling the other.
Sunrisers once again proved their championship pedigree with a ruthless dismantling of the Royals in the Qualifier. Tony de Zorzi, a late addition to the squad, delivered a masterclass with a scintillating 78 off 49 balls, while Jordan Hermann’s unbeaten 69 ensured a seamless chase. Aiden Markram’s leadership continues to inspire, and his team looks primed for yet another coronation.
Standing in their way is MI Cape Town, a team that has peaked at just the right time. Their dominant 39-run victory over Paarl Royals was a statement of intent. Ryan Rickelton and Rassie van der Dussen provided early fireworks before Dewald Brevis and Delano Potgieter launched a late assault to propel them to 199/4. But it was their bowling unit, led by the indomitable Rashid Khan, that truly sealed the deal. The Afghan wizard made history by becoming T20’s all-time leading wicket-taker, and his influence will be crucial in the final.
Saturday’s clash is more than just a battle for the trophy—it’s a showdown of resilience, legacy, and hunger. The Sunrisers, a team built on experience and composure, will need to withstand MI Cape Town’s fearless brand of cricket. Markram’s tactical nous meets Rashid’s game-breaking brilliance in a battle of two world-class captains.
Will the Sunrisers cement their dynasty, or will MI Cape Town announce their arrival as the new kings of SA20? The Wanderers awaits, and the stage is set for a final worthy of the competition’s growing legacy.
[Submitted by Estea Rademeyer]
Padel is an emerging racquet sport in the US.
From January 23–25, 2025, the world's 16 top-ranked padel players will battle for glory, divided into two elite teams led by prominent captains. The stakes? The coveted Reserve Cup Trophy and an unprecedented prize pool of $1.7 million, the largest in padel history.
[Submitted by Daniel Ferrari]
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAJA959X6o0
The Betway SA20 league continues to capture the hearts of cricket fans in its third season, delivering unforgettable moments both on and off the field. This past weekend saw packed stadiums across South Africa, with electrifying atmospheres at St George’s Park, Boland Park, Newlands, and the Wanderers. The excitement coincided with a major milestone for the tournament, as it celebrated its 1 millionth ticket holder—a testament to its growing appeal.
Paarl Royals Rewrite History
Among the standout stories of the weekend was the Paarl Royals’ unprecedented strategy of deploying an all-spin attack in their home game against the Pretoria Capitals. For the first time in Betway SA20 history, a team bowled 20 consecutive overs of spin. The tactic worked wonders, as the Royals secured their third consecutive victory, catapulting them to the top of the table and securing a playoff berth.
Left-arm spinner Bjorn Fortuin, now the Royals’ all-time leading wicket-taker, credited their success to the diversity of their spin unit.“We’re quite diverse as a spin group. Myself and (Dunith) Wellalage both bowl left-arm spin, but in very different styles. Mujeeb (Ur-Rahman) brings his mystery deliveries, and (Joe) Root provides control,” Fortuin said.
This adaptable and dynamic approach has paid dividends, with the Royals also boasting the league’s top performers. Joe Root leads the batting charts with 279 runs at a phenomenal average of 69.75, while opener Lhuan-dre Pretorius has amassed 258 runs. Spinner Mujeeb-ur-Rahman has been equally impressive, sharing the top spot on the wicket-takers list with 12 dismissals.
MI Cape Town Finds Their Rhythm
Not far behind the Royals, MI Cape Town enjoyed a historic week of their own. For the first time in three seasons, Robin Peterson’s side secured back-to-back victories, climbing to second place on the table with 21 points.
“There’s a different vibe in the camp,” said all-rounder George Linde. “Rashid (Khan) has brought a sense of belief and hunger, especially after tough past seasons. We owe it to ourselves and our fans.”
Middle-of-the-Table Battle Intensifies
The defending champions, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, also found form with three home victories, propelling them to third place with 19 points. Pacemen Marco Jansen and Richard Gleeson have been pivotal, claiming 12 and 11 wickets, respectively. Captain Aiden Markram has led from the front with 243 runs at an average of 40.50.
However, the Sunrisers’ momentum was halted by a resurgent Joburg Super Kings at the Wanderers. The Super Kings, back on their home turf after a disappointing coastal tour, stormed to a nine-wicket bonus point win, reigniting their playoff hopes. The match also marked a milestone for captain Faf du Plessis, who celebrated his 400th T20 appearance in style.
Capitals and Super Giants Struggle
It was a tough week for the Pretoria Capitals and Durban’s Super Giants, both languishing at the bottom of the table with nine and eight points, respectively. With the playoffs fast approaching, these teams face a daunting challenge to keep their hopes alive.
The Road Ahead
As the league heads into the final stretch, the race for playoff spots promises to be fiercely contested. With historic performances, packed stadiums, and fans fully invested, Betway SA20 Season 3 is proving to be a game-changer in South African cricket.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
Cricket’s brightest stars took center stage as the ICC unveiled the latest honorees of the ICC Awards 2024, celebrating excellence in Men’s Tests and Men’s and Women’s ODIs. With gripping performances across the year, Jasprit Bumrah, Smriti Mandhana, and Azmatullah Omarzai stood tall among their peers.
Bumrah’s Record-Breaking Year Secures ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year
India’s Jasprit Bumrah reaffirmed his status as a generational talent, claiming the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year award. The 31-year-old fast bowler enjoyed a career-defining year, taking a staggering 71 wickets in 2024 at an eye-popping average of 14.92. Bumrah’s relentless consistency saw him lead India’s charge in Tests against South Africa, England, Bangladesh, and Australia, where his Player-of-the-Series exploits were the talk of the cricketing world.
Beating out fierce competition from England’s Harry Brook, Joe Root, and Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis, Bumrah became the first Indian since Virat Kohli in 2018 to win the prestigious title.
“This award is a reflection of the support from my teammates, coaches, and fans. Representing India is a privilege I deeply cherish,” Bumrah said.
Mandhana Reclaims ODI Crown with Stellar Performances
Smriti Mandhana, the linchpin of India’s batting lineup, secured her second ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award, her first since 2018. With 747 runs at an average of 57.46, Mandhana’s elegant stroke play and match-winning centuries lit up 2024. Highlights included commanding performances against New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa, solidifying her as the top run-scorer and most prolific centurion of the year.
Mandhana edged past South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt, Australia’s Annabel Sutherland, and defending champion Chamari Athapaththu to claim the honor.
“Winning this award for the second time is incredibly special. It fuels my ambition to keep striving for excellence and contributing to my team’s success,” Mandhana shared.
Afghanistan’s Omarzai: A Rising Star in ODI Cricket
Azmatullah Omarzai of Afghanistan capped a phenomenal year by being crowned ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year. The 24-year-old all-rounder delivered with both bat and ball, scoring 417 runs at 52.12 and taking 17 wickets at 20.47. His standout moments included a maiden ODI century (149*) against Sri Lanka and career-best bowling figures of 4/18 against Zimbabwe.
Omarzai’s achievements saw him outshine West Indies’ Sherfane Rutherford and Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis and Wanindu Hasaranga.
“This award is a testament to the hard work of my teammates and support staff. I’m proud to represent Afghanistan on the global stage,” said Omarzai.
Final Announcements Await
The ICC Awards 2024 conclude on Tuesday with the announcement of cricket’s most prestigious honors—the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year and the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year.
These awards celebrate not only individual brilliance but also the passion of global fans, who cast over 1.5 million votes during the voting period.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
For the first time since South African teams entered the Champions Cup, all teams have failed to qualify for the play-offs. The Vodacom Bulls and Hollywood Sharks secured just one win apiece during the 2024/25 pool phase, bringing an end to their hopes of the ultimate European glory. The Stormers, having finished last in Pool Four, will take no further part in the competition, marking a disastrous campaign for the South African franchises. While the Bulls and Sharks will seek redemption in the Challenge Cup knockout phase, the Stormers' early exit signals a stark warning for the future.
As the dust settles, the response to these underwhelming results has been one of deep disappointment and a sense of fatalism. With the unrelenting burden of representing the Springboks from July to November, in addition to competing in the Champions Cup and domestic tournaments, it is clear that South African teams are facing a punishing schedule. The extended travel commitments have exacerbated the challenges, leading to growing doubts that a South African side will ever win the Champions Cup unless the tournament's format is changed or a global rugby season is implemented.
In some quarters, there has been a lack of urgency in addressing these poor results, with many seeming to accept the setbacks as a natural consequence of the circumstances. But retired Springbok legends have refused to remain silent. Their outspoken critiques have called out the complacency of both players and coaches, demanding accountability for these failures. Their comments have struck a nerve, offering a reality check that was long overdue.
This isn't merely a critique of the Bulls, Sharks, and Stormers' failure to win the Champions Cup. It is a pointed criticism of their inability to advance past the pool phase—a first for South African teams in the competition. After years of progress, the lack of qualification for the knockout rounds marks a significant regression for the South African sides.
When the Bulls, Sharks, and Stormers entered the Champions Cup for the 2022/23 season, expectations were cautiously set. Experts predicted that it would take time for the franchises to adjust to the higher level of competition, particularly while balancing the demands of both the Champions Cup and the United Rugby Championship. By the end of that inaugural campaign, there was cautious optimism. All three teams won their home games during the pool phase, and the Sharks and Stormers advanced to the Round of 16, showing that South African teams could compete in Europe.
The following season saw further improvements. The Bulls and Stormers, emboldened by their experiences, arrived in Europe ready for the challenge. While neither team won the title, they displayed growth, indicating that South Africa’s European journey was on an upward trajectory. The Sharks, though absent from the Champions Cup due to their poor performances in the URC, won the Challenge Cup, proving that South African teams could succeed in Northern Hemisphere knockout rugby.
But the 2024/25 season marked a dramatic shift. Despite squad improvements in the off-season and the return of Springbok stars, the South African teams faltered. Both the Bulls and Stormers suffered early defeats on home soil—results that shattered their previously unassailable advantage. What’s worse, their performances abroad were catastrophic. The Bulls and Stormers failed to secure even a losing bonus point on their overseas trips, while the Sharks, returning to the competition after a year’s absence, were humiliated in their matches.
The numbers tell a brutal story. For the first time since South African teams joined the tournament, no team won an away game during the pool phase. The Bulls averaged a mere eight points scored and a crushing 38 points conceded on the road. The Stormers were slightly better, with 19 points scored and 42 conceded. The Sharks, in their return to the competition, fared the worst, averaging just 15 points scored and an alarming 61 points conceded.
Supersport pundit and ex springbok, Victor Matfield, in his criticism of the South African franchises, questioned the mentality of the teams during their overseas trips. He cited the success of Rassie Erasmus’ player management with the Springboks in 2024, where player rotation and balanced combinations helped maintain competitiveness. Had the franchise coaches adopted a similar strategy, the results could have been different. A more balanced approach may have allowed the teams to accumulate enough points to progress to the knockout rounds.
Clearly, South Africa’s top teams have regressed, falling short of the expectations set after their promising start in the tournament. While injuries and a demanding schedule are factors, the franchises must take responsibility for their failures. The Stormers’ elimination, the Bulls and Sharks’ disappointing overseas performances, and the absence of a single South African team in the Champions Cup play-offs serve as a sobering reminder of the challenges ahead.
As we look toward the next season, the question is no longer whether South African teams can win the Champions Cup, but whether any of them can even qualify for the play-offs. The precedent set by the 2024/25 campaign raises serious doubts about the future of South African rugby in Europe. Bold action, strategic thinking, and a renewed sense of urgency will be needed to reverse the trend and restore the South African teams to their former competitive heights.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
The Betway SA20 2025 delivered scintillating cricket action, with dramatic victories and standout performances that showcased the tournament’s growing prestige. From spin masterclasses to high-octane batting displays, the week’s matches kept fans enthralled.
Match 15: Paarl Royals’ Spin Fortress at Boland Park
The Paarl Royals reaffirmed their dominance at their Boland Park fortress, claiming a third successive victory to climb to the top of the SA20 standings. Their formidable spin quartet—Bjorn Fortuin, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Joe Root, and Dunith Wellalage—stifled the Joburg Super Kings, restricting them to 146/6. Fortuin’s early strikes (2/22) set the tone, supported by Mujeeb (1/28) and company.
Despite a late surge by Jonny Bairstow (60 off 40 balls) and Donovan Ferreira (32* off 19), the Royals comfortably chased the target, thanks to contributions from young sensation Lhuan-dre Pretorius (27 off 14) and captain David Miller. Miller’s unbroken 71-run stand with Mitchell van Buuren (44 off 45) sealed the game with six wickets in hand, reaffirming the Royals’ status as title contenders.
Match 14: Marco Jansen Inspires Sunrisers’ Resurgence
The defending champions, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, reignited their campaign with a dominant win over Durban’s Super Giants at St George’s Park. Marco Jansen (2/23) led the charge, dismissing Brandon King with the second ball of the match, igniting the passionate home crowd. Supported by Richard Gleeson (2/19) and Liam Dawson (2/11), the Sunrisers restricted the Super Giants to 115/8.
In response, David Bedingham (39) and captain Aiden Markram (31* off 20) orchestrated a bonus-point victory. Markram’s towering six over square leg capped off a triumphant evening for the “Orange Army,” propelling the Sunrisers into playoff contention.
Match 12 and 13; Super Saturday: Western Cape Teams Shine
A thrilling Super Saturday saw MI Cape Town and Paarl Royals secure dramatic wins. At Newlands, Ryan Rickelton’s blistering 89 off 39 balls powered MI Cape Town to a bonus-point victory over the Joburg Super Kings. Supported by Rassie van der Dussen (39 off 24) and Reeza Hendricks’ surprise spell (2/11), the home side chased down 172 with ease.
At Centurion, the Royals delivered a masterclass in batting. Despite losing Pretorius to the first ball, Joe Root’s majestic 92* off 60 and Rubin Hermann’s explosive debut knock (56 off 33) formed a match-winning 125-run stand. Root’s brilliance overshadowed the Pretoria Capitals’ imposing 212/5, secured through a late assault alongside Miller.
As Betway SA20 2025 progresses, the intensity only grows, with every match contributing to the tournament’s electrifying narrative.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
South African rugby fans had reason to celebrate this weekend as the Vodacom Bulls, Hollywoodbets Sharks, and Emirates Lions secured spots in the EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 following the conclusion of the pool stages in the European competitions.
The Emirates Lions delivered an outstanding performance at Emirates Airline Park, thrashing the Dragons 60-10. The Lions’ nine-try rout not only cemented their place in the playoffs but showcased their dominance in front of their home crowd. Francke Horn scored a brace, while Ruan Venter also added two tries in a powerful team display.
Meanwhile, the Vodacom Bulls, who had suffered elimination from the Investec Champions Cup the previous weekend, bounced back emphatically with a 48-7 demolition of Stade Francais at Loftus Versfeld. Scoring seven tries, the Bulls produced their best performance of the season, with a penalty try and standout efforts from Devon Williams, Embrose Papier, and Elrigh Louw propelling them to the playoffs.
For the Hollywoodbets Sharks, the road was more challenging. Despite suffering a heavy 66-12 loss to Bordeaux-Begles in France, the Durban-based side managed to secure a playoff spot in the Challenge Cup. Damian Penaud’s six tries for Bordeaux highlighted the Sharks’ defensive struggles, but they will now shift focus to the knockout stage.
Heartbreak for Stormers and Cheetahs
It was a disappointing weekend for the DHL Stormers and Toyota Cheetahs, whose campaigns came to an end. The Stormers fought valiantly against Racing 92 in Paris but fell short in a thrilling 31-22 encounter, despite late tries by Herschel Jantjies and Marcel Theunissen.
The Toyota Cheetahs also bowed out after a 68-21 defeat to Lyon in France. Although the Free Staters showed glimpses of promise with tries from Daniel Maartens, Prince Nkabinde, and Neels Volschenk, Lyon’s relentless attack proved too much.
Round of 16 Matchups
The South African franchises now face challenging assignments in the knockout stage:
Hollywoodbets Sharks will travel to face Lyon.
Vodacom Bulls will take on Aviron Bayonnais.
Emirates Lions will battle Edinburgh.
All three matches are scheduled for the first weekend of April, promising intense action as these teams aim to keep South Africa’s hopes alive in European rugby.
Photo: Vodacom Bulls
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
The Vodacom Bulls find themselves as the outlier in a gripping conclusion to the Investec Champions Cup pool stages, where 23 of the 24 teams retain a chance to progress to the knockout rounds.
For Jake White’s men, the only South African team unable to reach the Champions Cup last 16, a victory over Stade Francais at Loftus is critical to secure a place in the EPCR Challenge Cup. However, they need more than just a win—they must claim a bonus point, achieve a significant points differential, and deny their French opponents a bonus point. Even then, their Champions Cup hopes are mathematically out of reach due to Castres’ insurmountable nine-point lead in Pool 3.
Meanwhile, the Hollywoodbets Sharks and DHL Stormers remain firmly in contention for the Champions Cup knockouts. The Sharks’ fate could be decided before their clash against Bordeaux-Begles on Sunday, depending on the outcome of Ulster vs. Exeter Chiefs on Friday. Both teams are yet to score a point in Pool 1 and must win with a bonus point and a large margin to overtake the Sharks’ superior points differential.
The DHL Stormers face a high-stakes encounter against Racing 92 in Paris. With only one point separating the teams, and Harlequins and Sale Sharks also in the mix, Pool 4 is a tightly contested group where every point counts. The Stormers could have been playing for top spot had they converted their chances against Toulon earlier in the competition.
Across the competition, top-seeded teams are vying for crucial home-ground advantage in the knockout stages. Leinster and Stade Rochelais continue their duel in Pool 2, while Bordeaux, Toulouse, Toulon, and Glasgow Warriors fight for supremacy in their respective groups.
This weekend promises a thrilling conclusion to the Champions Cup pools, with nearly every team still in the hunt for glory or survival.
Pool Standings
Pool 1: Bordeaux Begles 15, Toulouse 14, Leicester Tigers 11, Sharks 5, Ulster 0, Exeter Chiefs 0.
Pool 2: Leinster 13, La Rochelle 10, Bath 7, Benetton 7, Clermont-Auvergne 5, Bristol Bears 5.
Pool 3: Northampton Saints 11, Munster 10, Saracens 10, Castres 9, Stade Francais 5, Bulls 0.
Pool 4: Toulon 13, Glasgow Warriors 12, Harlequins 5, Stormers 5, Sale Sharks 5, Racing 92 4.
Photo: Vodacom Bulls
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
Luton Town has officially appointed Matt Bloomfield as their new manager on a three-and-a-half-year contract, signaling a fresh chapter in the club’s journey. Bloomfield, 40, takes the reins from Rob Edwards, who departed last week after a series of defeats. The Hatters, currently positioned 20th in the Championship and just two points above the relegation zone, will hope Bloomfield can inject new energy into their campaign.
A Rising Managerial Career
Bloomfield arrives at Kenilworth Road following an impressive stint with Wycombe Wanderers in League One. He guided the Chairboys to second place in the league, just two points off leaders Birmingham City, and was instrumental in their push for automatic promotion. His managerial journey began at Colchester United, where he quickly established himself as a promising talent.
Bloomfield’s connection with Wycombe runs deep, having made 559 appearances for the club as a player over nearly two decades. He returned as a manager in 2023 and was lauded for his tactical acumen and leadership. Despite being a relative novice with just over two years of managerial experience, Bloomfield’s success attracted Luton’s attention.
Speaking about his appointment, Bloomfield expressed his pride and excitement:
“It’s a genuine honour and a privilege to be here, to be appointed as manager of this incredible club. The passion and care from the board and fans stood out to me immediately. Their belief in my vision and their desire to see this club succeed made me confident this was the right move at the right time in my career.”
Challenges Ahead
Bloomfield inherits a team facing a challenging season in the Championship. His immediate task will be stabilizing Luton’s form, starting with his first game in charge against Preston this Saturday. He will be joined by his trusted backroom staff, including assistant Richard Thomas, first-team coach Lee Harrison, and analyst Ben Cirne.
Despite the disappointment of losing Bloomfield mid-season, Wycombe released a statement acknowledging his contributions and wishing him well:
“Matt leaves with the gratitude and best wishes of everyone at Wycombe Wanderers. We respect his decision to pursue this new chapter in his career and thank him for his service.”
Building on a Legacy
Luton’s decision to appoint Bloomfield highlights their commitment to long-term development. The Hatters were impressed by his track record of building cohesive, competitive teams at Wycombe and Colchester. His emphasis on collaboration and fostering a strong connection with the fanbase aligns with the club’s ethos.
For Bloomfield, the move represents a significant step in his managerial career, and he is determined to seize the opportunity:
“I want to work with people who care deeply about their football club, and that passion is clear at Luton Town. I’m excited to bring my vision to the team and work with the players, staff, and supporters to achieve our goals.”
As Luton Town embarks on this new era, fans will be eager to see how Bloomfield’s leadership shapes the team’s fortunes. With his proven track record and commitment to the game, the Hatters have placed their faith in a manager who shares their passion for success.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
Luton Town has officially appointed Matt Bloomfield as their new manager on a three-and-a-half-year contract, signaling a fresh chapter in the club’s journey. Bloomfield, 40, takes the reins from Rob Edwards, who departed last week after a series of defeats. The Hatters, currently positioned 20th in the Championship and just two points above the relegation zone, will hope Bloomfield can inject new energy into their campaign.
A Rising Managerial Career
Bloomfield arrives at Kenilworth Road following an impressive stint with Wycombe Wanderers in League One. He guided the Chairboys to second place in the league, just two points off leaders Birmingham City, and was instrumental in their push for automatic promotion. His managerial journey began at Colchester United, where he quickly established himself as a promising talent.
Bloomfield’s connection with Wycombe runs deep, having made 559 appearances for the club as a player over nearly two decades. He returned as a manager in 2023 and was lauded for his tactical acumen and leadership. Despite being a relative novice with just over two years of managerial experience, Bloomfield’s success attracted Luton’s attention.
Speaking about his appointment, Bloomfield expressed his pride and excitement:
“It’s a genuine honour and a privilege to be here, to be appointed as manager of this incredible club. The passion and care from the board and fans stood out to me immediately. Their belief in my vision and their desire to see this club succeed made me confident this was the right move at the right time in my career.”
Challenges Ahead
Bloomfield inherits a team facing a challenging season in the Championship. His immediate task will be stabilizing Luton’s form, starting with his first game in charge against Preston this Saturday. He will be joined by his trusted backroom staff, including assistant Richard Thomas, first-team coach Lee Harrison, and analyst Ben Cirne.
Despite the disappointment of losing Bloomfield mid-season, Wycombe released a statement acknowledging his contributions and wishing him well:
“Matt leaves with the gratitude and best wishes of everyone at Wycombe Wanderers. We respect his decision to pursue this new chapter in his career and thank him for his service.”
Building on a Legacy
Luton’s decision to appoint Bloomfield highlights their commitment to long-term development. The Hatters were impressed by his track record of building cohesive, competitive teams at Wycombe and Colchester. His emphasis on collaboration and fostering a strong connection with the fanbase aligns with the club’s ethos.
For Bloomfield, the move represents a significant step in his managerial career, and he is determined to seize the opportunity:
“I want to work with people who care deeply about their football club, and that passion is clear at Luton Town. I’m excited to bring my vision to the team and work with the players, staff, and supporters to achieve our goals.”
As Luton Town embarks on this new era, fans will be eager to see how Bloomfield’s leadership shapes the team’s fortunes. With his proven track record and commitment to the game, the Hatters have placed their faith in a manager who shares their passion for success.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
