Graeme Smith, ex-South Africa skipper and SA20 chief, couldn’t hold back his admiration for the league’s young guns in a candid chat. Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, and Nkokobani Mokoeana have turned heads, proving SA20 is the ultimate launchpad for Proteas prodigies.

‘Cricket South Africa deserves credit for spotting talent like Mokoeana,’ Smith remarked. ‘SA20 has played a huge part in developing Brevis, Stubbs, and others by providing that crucial stage.’ He highlighted Mokoeana’s poise under pressure, a trait every fan craves in rising stars.

Stubbs’ story is particularly inspiring. Out of form pre-season and omitted from T20 World Cup 2026 plans, he roared back as Sunrisers Eastern Cape skipper. The final thriller against Pretoria Capitals saw his side slump to 48/4. Enter Stubbs and Britzke: their unbroken 114-run stand clinched the chase of 159 with six wickets in hand. Stubbs’ unbeaten 63 (41 balls, 4×6, 2×4) was a captain’s knock, echoing his history of bailouts in SA20, IPL, and internationals.

Brevis fired back with a ton for the losers, keeping the contest electric. For Mokoeana, the 19-year-old Paarl Royals pacer grabbed 13 scalps in 10 matches, peaking at 4/34, placing him fourth in the season’s bowling charts. With such form, a national call-up seems imminent.

As SA20 wraps another thrilling edition, Smith’s words ring true: this league isn’t just entertainment—it’s building South Africa’s cricketing tomorrow.