In the third part of the team preview leading up to SA20 2025-26, we look at the two sides that finished at the bottom of the pile in the previous edition.
Pretoria Capitals
Last season: Fifth
Captain: Keshav Maharaj
Coach: Sourav Ganguly
Who's in: Dewald Brevis, Connor Esterhuizen, Wihan Lubbe, Sibonelo Makhanya, Sherfane Rutherford, Codi Yusuf, Byrce Parsons, Andre Russell, Junaid Dawood, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Gideon Peters, Lizaad Williams, Meeka-eel Prince, Shai Hope, Roston Chase, Jordan Cox, Tymal Mills, Keith Dudgeon (temporary replacement), Daniel Smith (temporary replacement)
Who's out: Rilee Rossouw, Marques Ackermann, Evan Lewis, Keegan Lion-Cachet, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Steve Stolk, Ashton Turner, Kyle Verreynne, Liam Livingstone, Senuran Muthusamy, Jimmy Neesham, Tom Rogers, Kyle Simmonds, Tiaan van Vuuren, Jason Behrendorff, Eathan Bosch, Daryn Dupavillon, Anrich Nortje, Wayne Parnell, Migael Pretorius, Bayanda Majola, Will Jacks, Craig Overton, Saqib Mahmood
Strengths: With Lungi Ngidi, Lizaad Williams, Andre Russell and Codi Yusuf in their ranks, PC have one of the strongest pace attacks in the tournament and could be especially effective on the Highveld. They will also be coached by one of South Africa's finest as Shaun Pollock has made the move from the commentary box to the change room for the first time since his retirement.
Weaknesses: On paper, this is the strongest squad PC have put together but there isn't a clear opening pair. Connor Estherhuizen and Wihan Lubbe may be their starting combination with Will Smeed also coming into the conversation but this could be an area where they find themselves short.
Who to watch: PC spent R16.5 million - more than half their auction purse - on Dewald Brevis, who will play at his home ground at SuperSport Park. Brevis is brimming with talent and has had an exciting start to his international career but his blindspots have also become apparent. Too often, Brevis gets in and throws it away and if he is to headline PC's campaign, he will have to develop more staying power when it matters.
Last season: Sixth
Captain: Aiden Markram
Coach: Lance Klusener
Who's in: Kane Williamson, Marques Ackermann, David Bedingham, Jos Buttler, Devon Conway, Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Dayyaan Galiem, Evan Jones, Sunil Narine, Andile Simelane, David Wiese, Eathan Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Kwena Maphaka, Daryn Dupavillon
Who's out: Matthew Breetzke, Quinton de Kock, Brandon King, Jason Smith, Wiaan Mulder, Bryce Parson, Dwaine Pretorius, Jon-Jon Smuts, Marcus Stoinis, Prenelan Subrayen, Chris Woakes, Keshav Maharaj, Junior Dala, Shamar Joseph, Christopher King, Naveen-ul-Haq, Taijul Islam
Strengths: In Aiden Markram, DSG have acquired the league's most successful captain, and the only one to have taken South Africa to a World Cup final. Markram is an inspirational leader, who took SEC to three finals, and has an ability to bring out the best in his charges. He'll have strong characters in Jos Buttler and Devon Conway around him to carry some of the load and will have to be mindful of his own form, which has bounced back after a dip in 2024.
Weaknesses: Though laden with impressive batting names, DSG have lost an element of firepower - Matthew Breetzke, Quinton de Kock and Brandon King - and so there will be expectation on the likes of Tony de Zorzi and David Bedingham to grow their power games. They'll also be concerned about Kwena Maphaka's availability after he was ruled out of the tour of India with a hamstring injury.
Who to watch: Since retiring from international cricket, Heinrich Klaasen had average returns at the MLC and the Hundred> He will know that he needs good numbers to continue to command a high fee in other leagues. Don't be surprised if, depending on how this season goes, he u-turns on his decision to quit South Africa, a la de Kock.