Graeme Smith amped up for new SA20 Derby Series

The series is an extension of the existing Schools SA20, which enters its third season this week with more than 500 schools involved.

The new innovation gets underway on Tuesday 22 September with a clash between Die Hoerskool Menlopark and Hoerskool Waterkloof in a day/night encounter, the first of the standalone matches that will go on until early 2027.

"After the launch of the main event of SA20, we invested in a grassroots program called Schools SA20, and last year, about 560 schools, both girls and boys, were involved in that program country-wide. It's a massive program," said Smith 

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"This year, we are adding the Derby Series, which is exciting; it's another layer to our school program where existing schools are playing against each other, and we are tapping the SA20 magic into it. 

For us, I think trying to make cricket cool again at the school level is essential to see the talent pipeline grow, the participation levels grow, and new fans for the game, the scorers, the umpires, and really just trying to rebuild that school ecosystem again, something that is exciting for us."

While some of the fixtures will be the traditional derby matches rooted in decades of history, some will be new pairings that look to begin a formidable path of their own.

Some of those to look forward to include Michaelhouse vs Hilton College, Grey High vs Pearson, Pretoria Boys vs Affies, St. Davids vs St. Stithians, and Jeppe Boys vs KES.

Smith is also hoping some of the schools’ old boys will show up at some of the matches to show support, and help keep the fierce rivalry intact.

"If you know the school's programme, the Derby series is well-renowned. I think from a cricket perspective, we are trying to invest back in them and see them grow, and hopefully see the fan base, the old boys, and everyone get behind the event."

The ultimate goal for the Schools SA20 and Derby Series, according to Smith, is to get more youngsters excited about the game and create opportunities to even play at the tournament-proper in years to come, and possibly get to represent South Africa at international level.