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\u201cI\u2019ve always loved sport – football, tennis, hockey – but cricket just clicked,\u201d he says. \u201cI developed faster in it than anything else, and the game started making a way for me.\u201d<\/p>\nDurban\u2019s Super Giants star Kwena Maphaka is gearing up for a Summer of cricket, crowds and festive cheer.<\/p>\n
As the countdown to Betway SA20 Season 4 begins, stadiums are ready for another cricket-meets-culture magic of packed stands, fan dances, fireworks and the unmistakable hum of Summer in South Africa. For Durban\u2019s Super Giants\u2019 young pace sensation, Kwena Tshegofatso Maphaka, the festive season means one thing –\u00a0 game time.<\/p>\n
At just 19, Kwena is already a name to know in world cricket. The left-arm fast bowler, who\u2019s turned heads for both the Proteas and the Rajasthan Royals, combines raw pace with an infectious humility. Born in Johannesburg and raised on all things sport, he admits cricket wasn\u2019t always the plan – it was the sport that chose him.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve always loved sport – football, tennis, hockey – but cricket just clicked,\u201d he says. \u201cI developed faster in it than anything else, and the game started making a way for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
That \u2018way\u2019 has taken him from St Stithians College nets, to the SA U19s, IPL, and now, to the heart of Durban\u2019s Super Giants bowling attack. And while most teens are spending their Summer at the beach, Kwena will be welcoming 2026 under stadium lights, ball in hand and a nation watching.<\/p>\n
With the SA20 tournament kicking off on Boxing Day, Kwena says there\u2019s no better time to play cricket.<\/p>\n
\u201cStarting the season during the festive period just adds to the buzz,\u201d he says. \u201cFamilies are together, people are in great spirits, and every game feels like a celebration.\u201d<\/p>\n
He\u2019s especially proud to represent Durban\u2019s Super Giants, working under local legends Lance Klusener and Allan Donald. \u201cI\u2019ve worked with Allan with the Lions, so it\u2019s nice to have that familiar guidance again,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n
Fans, he promises, can expect energy, fight and serious fun from the squad. \u201cI love bowling with the new ball – that\u2019s when I feel most dangerous. And I enjoy those high-pressure death overs when batters are swinging for the ropes. That\u2019s when the challenge really kicks in.\u201d<\/p>\n
So how does a professional athlete celebrate Christmas when matches fill the calendar?<\/p>\n
\u201cNormally I\u2019d be home with my family, but this year I\u2019ll be on the road,\u201d Kwena says. \u201cHonestly, I don\u2019t mind – playing during the festive season feels special. My family will be watching and supporting me from afar.\u201d<\/p>\n
He still plans to sneak in some holiday traditions. \u201cChristmas lunch is always a highlight, and I\u2019ll find time for a movie and a call home. It\u2019s those small things that keep me grounded.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Ask Kwena what makes the SA20 special and his face lights up.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the atmosphere – the music, the fans, the lights. It\u2019s more than cricket, it\u2019s a festival. You can feel the energy the minute you walk onto the field.\u201d<\/p>\n
Off the pitch, Kwena\u2019s love of music keeps him balanced. \u201cMatch day always starts with a playlist – that\u2019s non-negotiable,\u201d he laughs. \u201cMusic helps me switch on and switch off.\u201d<\/p>\n
And if he were in the crowd? \u201cI\u2019d be dancing and cheering for sure. It\u2019s impossible not to – the vibe is just unreal!\u201d<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
Fast five with Kwena<\/strong><\/p>\n Beach day or poolside chill?<\/p>\n Beach day – I love the waves and the fresh air.<\/p>\n Mariah Carey or Amapiano? Amapiano all day! It\u2019s home.Sunrise training or sleep-in?<\/p>\n Sleep-in – recovery matters!<\/p>\n Dream New Year\u2019s Day off?<\/p>\n By the beach, good food, good music and no alarms.<\/p>\n One word for your season vibe? Charged.<\/p>\n Details: Don\u2019t miss Kwena and the Durban\u2019s Super Giants in action as Betway SA20 Season 4 runs from December 26 to January 25. You can follow him on IG: @kwena.maphaka <\/em>and get SA20 tickets and fixtures at SA20.co.za<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Durban\u2019s Super Giants star Kwena Maphaka is gearing up for a Summer of cricket, crowds and festive cheer. As the countdown to Betway SA20 Season 4 begins, stadiums are ready for another cricket-meets-culture magic of packed stands, fan dances, fireworks and the unmistakable hum of Summer in South Africa. For Durban\u2019s Super Giants\u2019 young pace […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":46850,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[12204,12203,12201,12202],"class_list":{"0":"post-46839","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-personalities","8":"tag-betway-sa20-season-4","9":"tag-cricket","10":"tag-kwena-maphaka","11":"tag-super-giants"},"yoast_head":"\n