HOW JACOBUS NEL FOUND HIS FOCUS AT BETWAY SA20

Betway SA20’s influence stretches far beyond the boundary every season. The country’s premier domestic cricket competition creates valuable opportunities for the youth of South Africa year after year.

With June being Youth Month in South Africa, we are featuring a series of young men and women taking their first steps into the world of professional sports.

Jacobus Nel, an ambitious 21-year-old photographer from Stellenbosch in the Western Cape is an avid club cricketer in the Boland Premier League. It is this passion for the game that drove his desire to secure a photography internship with Betway SA20 during Season 3.

“A few of my mates actually came across the article about the internship. They sent the link to me and were like, ‘You have to give this a go and see if you get in; it'll be a sick opportunity,’” Nel recalled. “Luckily enough, I got in, and it has been unreal from then on.”

During his internship, Nel was based at Boland Park in Paarl, but his enthusiasm soon saw him approach the stadium media manager Ayanda Felem for further opportunities.

"I inquired about whether I could shoot at Newlands too, and his response was very positive,” he said.

The adventure was only just beginning, though. Nel had a further opportunity to travel to St George’s Park in Gqeberha for a match before his Season 3 experience culminated in a dream assignment.

"I got selected to do the Final in Johannesburg at the Wanderers, which was insane. First time at the Wanderers... an unbelievable experience," he said.

Nel’s ambition and desire to shoot at every opportunity did not go unnoticed. The youngster received a call informing him that he was being elevated to a tournament photographer for Season 4.

It was a "wild experience," according to Nel, as he travelled to a staggering 24 out of 34 games. The scope of his work also increased to shooting more behind-the-scenes content - capturing the essence of the fans, the crowds, and the energy that makes Betway SA20 special.

Mentorship is a highly valued commodity at Betway SA20, and Nel was placed alongside experienced South African sports photographer Carl Fourie, a move that proved invaluable to his creative development.

"The way he [Fourie] sees photos and goes about taking photos is unreal. He sees a vision. I've never seen a photographer that passionate who can shoot so well," Nel explained. "He also makes you think a bit more outside the box to get photos, which is quite a cool way of going about your work. It tests you a bit. It makes sure that you don't shoot the same photo every time at every venue, and helps you create that awesome atmosphere for every game."

Nel hopes to continue his photography journey with Betway SA20 in Season 5.

"It's been an unreal experience and something I'll never forget. I just love being a part of it."