BOLAND PARK PLAYOFF WOULD BE A REWARD FOR ROYALS' '12TH MAN' - BAARTMAN

Paarl Royals seamer Ottneil Baartman is excited by the prospect of playing a potential Betway SA20 Season 5 playoff at Boland Park for the first time in the competition's history.

The Royals have qualified for the Playoffs in each of the first four seasons but have yet to progress to the coveted final, coming unstuck on the road during the knockout stages.

Although not wanting to look too far ahead, the leading wicket-taker in Betway SA20 history feels that with Boland Park hosting Qualifier 1 on 16 February, 2027, it would serve as great motivation for the Royals to secure a Playoffs berth in front of their loyal fan base.

"The last couple of years, they (Royals) have made the playoffs every single year, and I think they needed something like that. The community asked for something like that," Baartman said.

"I do feel like if you're on top of the log, you will definitely need to get a home semi, or maybe a final playing at home. But to get a semifinal (Qualifier 1) at Boland Park will be special, especially for us, and for the people as well.

"Their support means a lot to us - the 12th man behind the scenes. We actually love that. We love the support. We love the vibe they bring to the table and to the game."

The journey to the Playoffs is a long and winding one, but the Royals can smooth the road ahead with a positive showing in their Season 5 opener against Joburg Super Kings at Boland Park on Monday, 18 January, 2027.

"You always want to start the competition on the front foot," Baartman said. "It's a new season, new challenges, but looking forward to the challenge. SA20 is a bigger part of South African cricket, and I'm looking forward to it. Our own game first up, and then looking forward to the challenge."

Baartman took his game to new levels upon moving to the Royals after three successful seasons at Sunrisers Eastern Cape.

The right-arm seamer finished with 20 wickets at a stellar average of 13.55 and an economy rate of 9.13, which included a hat-trick against Pretoria Capitals, to finish as the competition's leading wicket-taker in Season 4.

The deadline for all squads to finalise their retained and pre-signed players is Friday, 31 July 2026 ahead of the Player Auction.