JON JON SMUTS ON BETWAY SA20

Jon Jon Smuts has played virtually his entire 15-year professional career at St George’s Park in Gqeberha. 

He is a true son of the soil of the Eastern Cape. It is therefore no surprise that the Sunrisers Eastern Cape invested heavily in acquiring the veteran all-rounder for the inaugural Betway SA20 League.

Smuts’ knowledge of the unique conditions, in addition to his big-hitting and economical left-arm spin bowling, is sure to be an asset to Adrian Birrell’s team. 

The 34-year-old certainly believes that home advantage will be a major factor in the upcoming Betway SA20.

“I think the SA20 is going to be very competitive,” Smuts said. “All the teams have lined up very well for their home conditions. 

“It’s going to be very exciting to challenge the teams when you are away. I think it’s going to be vitally important to win your home games.”

Smuts has previously had a taste of international cricket having played six ODI’s and 13 T20I’s for the Proteas’ Men’s team. Equally, he has sampled the now defunct T20 Champions League with the Warriors and also the Caribbean Premier League with St Kitts and Nevis Patriots. 

He is therefore excited about the prospect of returning to a global stage with the Sunrisers Eastern Cape as the entire Betway SA20 League will be broadcast on SuperSport Sub-Saharan Africa, Viacom18 Sports in India and Sky Sports in the UK. 

“Competing on a global stage is exciting. I think that’s what all players want to do, is to play in front of the world,” he said. 

“I think this new chapter in South African cricket is going to be really exciting. I think with the association to the Indian Premier League it’s something that we all want to be a part of, and the SA20 brings us a bit closer to that.”

 The Sunrisers Eastern Cape open their Betway SA20 campaign against the Joburg Super Kings at St George’s Park on Thursday 12 January 2023.