Betway SA20 Season 4 award winners reflect on their experience

Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s Quinton de Kock was the star performer of Betway SA20 Season 4, with his exhilarating performances captivating the crowds around the country.

De Kock claimed the Betway SA20 Season 4 Player of the Year along with the Batter of the Year award.

Paarl Royals new recruit Ottneil Baartman claimed the Bowler of the Year award, while Sunrisers Eastern Cape batter Jordan Hermann won the Rising Star Award.

De Kock has long been regarded as an enigma - a generational talent whose laid-back demeanor has often been misconstrued as indifference.

Yet, those who are privileged to be part of his inner sanctum know that this perception could not be further from reality.

Over the past month, where De Kock reunited with his former Proteas mentors Adrian Birrell and Russell Domingo, he showcased his determination while thriving in an environment built on trust and mutual support at the Sunrisers Eastern Cape. The 33-year-old wicketkeeper-batter delivered performances of the highest quality both in front and behind the stumps, but most importantly was playing with a smile on his face.

The vibrant atmosphere at St George’s Park, with the band welcoming back one of their favourite Proteas sons, seemed to recharge De Kock’s spirits as he passionately celebrated each wicket with exuberance, rivaling even that of captain Tristan Stubbs.

The end result: De Kock topped the Season 4 batting leaderboard with 390 runs at an average of 39.0 at a strike-rate of 148, and claimed 15 catches, including two magnificent one-handers, along with three stumpings.

His contribution played a significant role in Sunrisers annexing their third Betway SA20 championship title in four seasons and was deservedly named Betway Player of the Season.

“It's obviously just nice to be in a team that knows how to win this comp. I think the guys rallied really well under pressure at the best of times, which is nice to be part of,” De Kock said.

“Some of the guys who are leaving this tournament would have learnt a couple of things about their own game, which is great. We've had a great time.

“It's been an amazing month. It's a great tournament run by Mr Birrell and Stubbo and the whole crew. It's been amazing.”

De Kock’s value to the Sunrisers was far greater than his incredible numbers. His experience in the changeroom discussions, where he played an active role in guiding youngsters such as Jordan Hermann and Jame Coles, was invaluable, while he quietly guided his rookie captain Tristan Stubbs through his first season on the field.

It wasn’t always in-depth detailed conversations, but they were meaningful. Sunrisers mentor Birrell couldn’t praise De Kock’s contribution enough.

“He's been outstanding,” said Birrell. “I think he's helped Stubbo a lot in the field, I couldn't say more.

“He made the most runs in the season and if Quinton de Kock is in form, you win trophies.”

Meanwhile, it is often said change is as good as a holiday, and so it proved for Baartman in Betway SA20 Season 4.

Having been an integral part of Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s success during the first three seasons, Baartman undertook a new challenge at Paarl Royals.

The seamer relished the responsibility of being levelled up to the leader of Royals’ attack after previously being the supporting act to Marco Jansen.

In fact, Baartman actually passed his good friend and former teammate Jansen as the most successful bowler in Betway SA20 history with 61 wickets in 34 matches at an average of 15.14 and economy of 8.32.

It included 20 wickets in Season 4, which earned Baartman the Bowler of the Season Award.

“Obviously, when I was bought at the auction, I took a look at the team, and thought that I’d probably have to lead the attack. Hardus (Viljoen) is an experienced bowler, and then we had young Mokoena,” Baartman said.

“But leading the attack is all in the mindset. Paarl was such a pleasure for me. I picked up a lot of wickets, but I think the two backup-seamers also made an impact which allowed me to settle in.”

The highlight of the campaign for Baartman was the sensational hat-trick, which formed part of a 5/16 haul, against Pretoria Capitals at Centurion.

The soft-spoken seamer does not want to reflect on his individual feat, but rather give praise to his strong support system back home.

“It means so much to me. Especially the support I got from home as well,” Baartman said.

“I'm not a numbers guy, but to be receiving this award, I think the credit needs to go to the family as well for the support throughout the competition.

Meanwhile, Baartman’s former Sunrisers Eastern Cape teammate Hermann fulfilled the promise that the legendary AB de Villiers predicted back in Season 1 already.

Hermann batted with great maturity in Season 4, making valuable contributions throughout, to drive the Sunrisers’ to the third Betway SA20 championship title in four seasons.

The talented left-hander finished with 273 runs at an average of 34.13 and strike-rate of 137.19 to earn the Rising Star of the Season Award.

“It's special, I think it's more for the team, the performance is for the team and it's nice that you get some individual recognition in a big tournament like this, so I'm very chuffed.

“The big thing I told myself, if I can have a good season, we will have a proper good chance of winning the competition. I told that to my girlfriend at the start and it worked out.

“I'm just so chuffed I can contribute to the team and with the team full of superstars like we have to contribute.

“I think I showed glimpses last year of what I can do in other seasons and it's nice to put it together a bit more consistently in a season. I think it's a nice blueprint for me. It's awesome.”

BETWAY SA20 SEASON 4 AWARD WINNERS

BETWAY PLAYER OF THE SEASON: Quinton de Kock (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)

BATTER OF THE SEASON: Quinton de Kock (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)

BOWLER OF THE SEASON: Ottneil Baartman (Paarl Royals)

RISING STAR OF THE SEASON: Jordan Hermann (Sunrisers Eastern Cape) 

ABSA MONEYBALL SAVER OF THE SEASON: Marco Jansen (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)

ITS RAINING SIXES: Dewald Brevis (Pretoria Capitals)

SPIRIT OF CRICKET: Sunrisers Eastern Cape

GROUNDSMAN OF THE YEAR: Braam Mong (Newlands)