5 hot tips for Betway SA20 player auction

The excitement surrounding the Betway SA20 Season Player 4 auction is palpable

A whopping R131 million will be spent on 84 local and overseas players at the Galleria in Johannesburg on Tuesday. 

With the six franchises keen to secure the best talent, the bidding wars are set to be intense with some eye-watering sums set to be splashed.

Independent Media’s Zaahier Adams selects five potential standout South African signings.

1. Aiden Markram

The Proteas T20I will be the most sought-after player at the S4 auction. Markram has previously led the Sunrisers Eastern Cape to back-to-back championship titles and runners-up over the past three seasons. Surprisingly, though, he was released and is now back in the open market. A three-dimensional cricketer with his explosive batting, off-spin and incredible leadership forming an explosive package. Expect a bidding war!

Potential purchase price: R10m - R12m

Potential teams: Pretoria Capitals, Durban’s Super Giants

2. Dewald Brevis

The poster boy of S1 has now matured and outgrown his previous moniker of “Baby AB”. Brevis has shot the lights out since last year’s SA20 when he was named Rising Star after playing a prominent role in MI Cape Town annexing their maiden title. His stature has increased ten-fold since after blasting a Proteas T20I record 125 not out recently against Australia. The youngster is still only 22, which fits into the new U23 category which bloats his market value even further.

Potential purchase price: R8m - R10m

Potential teams: Pretoria Capitals, Durban’s Super Giants, Joburg Super Kings

3. Keshav Maharaj 

The veteran left-arm spinner lives to defy his critics. Since being released by his hometown team Durban Super Giants, which he led to the Season 2 final, Maharaj has responded in the fiercest fashion with consecutive ODI Player of the Series awards in Australia and England. These performances have propelled the 35-year-old to the No 1 ranking on the ICC ODI bowling charts. Maharaj’s well-respected leadership skills is also an invaluable asset to any team he plays for. DSG do have a “Right-To-Match” (RTM) card for him, but the time seems to be right for Maharaj to move away from the comforts of home. 

Potential purchase price: R4m - R6m

Potential teams: Sunrisers Eastern Cape, Durban’s Super Giants

4. Matthew Breetzke 

Before there was Brevis, there was Breetzke. And the former Grey High prodigy is finally realising his immense potential. Three seasons at Durban’s Super Giants has unlocked Breetzke with the stylish right-hander fresh off a world record five consecutive ODI scores in excess of 50. Although released by DSG, the Kingsmead-based franchise do have a RTM card and could lure him back to the east coast. 

Potential purchase price: R3m - R5m

Potential teams: Durban’s Super Giants, Pretoria Capitals, Durban’s Super Giants

5. Kwena Maphaka  

South Africa’s teenage fast bowling sensation is expected to raise the excitement levels in the room when his name goes under the hammer. The 19-year-old tasted action last year for the Paarl Royals, but could be a greater strike-weapon on the Highveld pitches that he was reared on. Maphaka also now has a year of his international experience behind, highlighted by finishing as the leading wicket-taker across both teams in the recent T20I series against Australia. 

Potential purchase price: R2.5m - R4m

Potential teams: Joburg Super Kings, Pretoria Capitals