On January 12, 1xBet, the principal partner of Sunrise’s Eastern Cape, held an exclusive online stream with Jonny Bairstow, Tristan Stubbs, and Anrich Nortje. The broadcast was hosted by sports commentator Kass Naidoo, and fans had the opportunity to ask questions, feel the team spirit, and win signed bats and Orange Army jerseys.
About SA20
“I’m really in love with South Africa — the country, people, atmosphere, wine, and barbecue,” Jonny Bairstow admitted while answering fans’ questions about his popularity among the local audience. According to him, several years of playing in South Africa have only strengthened this bond. He considers SA20 to be one of the most exciting and competitive leagues in the world, where sharing the field with top players is a genuine pleasure. And, as always, Jonny couldn’t resist a bit of humor, joking that the only problem is playing alongside Tristan Stubbs.
Anrich Nortje shared his emotions about returning to the field: “The best part is to feel the level of competition again, see the fans, and play at home. The atmosphere of SA20 is truly inspiring.” Bairstow added that being with Nortje on the same side is more pleasant than facing him as an opponent.
Tristan Stubbs emphasized that the refreshed lineup, combined with a desire to enjoy the game and support one another, helped Sunrise’s Eastern Cape start the season confidently and secure the first victories. He singled out the match that became defining for the side — the day when the batters set the tempo, the bowlers hit the plans, and the ball seemed to fly into the hands by itself.
About the tournament’s decisive stage
When the final part of the group stage and the playoffs approach, the players are meticulously preparing for each game. Tristan Stubbs noted that the side took lessons from the previous match, particularly from moments of playing under pressure. The group stage final matches are ahead, so this is an ideal time to build momentum and reach peak form ahead of the playoffs.
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Jonny Bairstow shared a similar view, highlighting the composure and maturity the team has shown even in matches where Sunrise’s Eastern Cape seemed “undeserving” of being so close to victory. It is these kinds of games, he said, that shape character and can be decisive at the season’s most critical moment.
For Anrich Nortje, the bowling attack plays a crucial role: “Our partners in powerplay set the momentum that we carry through the rest of the match. Sunrise’s Eastern Cape is a side that fights until the final over, and the teams like that are the ones that reach the final.”
About atmosphere within team
During the stream, it became clear that Sunrise’s Eastern Cape enjoys a warm, friendly atmosphere, where humor and mutual respect go hand in hand with serious work.
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The story of Jonny Bairstow and Quinton de Kock’s partnership drew particular attention. According to Bairstow, it is built on trust and respect — without unnecessary words, they admire playing together. Tristan Stubbs added that it is important for the team to see Quinny smiling, joking, and actively involved in team life, because one player’s positive energy is felt by everybody.
When the conversation came to the internal traditions, Tristan Stubbs smiled as he recalled the braai — a kind of “test” for foreign players, which caused a wave of jokes among the players. As it turned out, the secret to the perfect braai is simple — invite good “braai masters,” and the rest will fall into place. Braai is a South African cultural tradition of barbecuing that brings friends and families together around a fire and shared food.
This exchange of jokes once again demonstrated the atmosphere within Sunrise’s Eastern Cape — light, friendly, and very lively.
“I Bet on Myself”: self-belief as way of life
Kass Naidoo introduced the “I Bet on Myself” social initiative by 1xBet, which encourages people to choose themselves, believe in their own power, and not give up even in difficult circumstances. She asked the Sunrise’s Eastern Cape players to share their personal stories.
Bairstow spoke about the many challenges he’s faced in his career, including injuries, rejections, and losing streaks. He emphasized that truly betting on yourself means being able to rise again and again. Stubbs recalled playing club cricket in the Netherlands and unexpectedly running into someone he had been living with at the time during the SA20 match. For him, it’s a reminder that the path from little-known club cricket to the big stage can take just a few years, providing you believe in yourself. Nortje added that character building begins in childhood — traumas, disappointments, and missed selections, all contribute to strengthening willpower.
Naidoo also shared her own experience of how a dream of becoming South Africa’s first female cricket commentator became a reality by betting on herself. It’s not just one bold decision, but a habit of choosing yourself over and over again, even in the moments of doubt.
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Experience, professionalism on the field, and ease off it help Sunrise’s Eastern Cape quickly find common ground, start the season confidently, and maintain unity even during tense moments.
