A domestic batter the Super Kings kept
Janco Smit was one of 11 players Joburg Super Kings retained for SA20 Season 5. The domestic batter's retention shows the franchise wants continuity in its batting group — in a short league season, players who already know the dressing room, the coach and the plans are worth more than new names who need time to settle.
Smit's job is to add batting cover and competition for places. Every squad needs batters pushing for a spot, because injuries and form change a team quickly across ten league games, and a retained batter who knows the set-up can step in without the side missing a beat.
What he brings to Joburg Super Kings
Joburg Super Kings get a batter who already understands how Morkel wants the side to play. That matters more than it sounds: a new signing spends the first week learning the plans, while a retained player starts the season ready.
He also keeps the batting group honest. With du Plessis, Vince and Rossouw taking the senior places, the younger domestic batters have to earn their cricket in training — and that competition is part of what makes a squad better across a season.
Where Joburg Super Kings stand
Smit is part of the Super Kings' retained core — 11 players kept, then a pre-signing and six auction buys to finish the squad. He will be part of the SA20 Season 5 squad at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.
Albie Morkel is head coach for Season 5, while the captaincy is still TBC. The Wanderers in Johannesburg is home, staging five league games, and the season starts on Sunday 17 January 2027. The Super Kings have not won a title in four seasons, and that wait frames their campaign.
Frequently asked questions
What is Janco Smit's role for Joburg Super Kings?
He is a domestic batter, retained for SA20 Season 5. He provides batting cover and competition in a squad built around Faf du Plessis, James Vince and Rilee Rossouw.
Was Janco Smit retained by Joburg Super Kings?
Yes. He was one of 11 players the Super Kings retained, before Jason Holder's pre-signing and six auction buys completed the 18-player squad.
When does SA20 Season 5 start?
On Sunday 17 January 2027. The opener is Sunrisers Eastern Cape against Pretoria Capitals at St George's Park, starting at 3:30 PM SAST.
Joburg Super Kings · SA20 Players · SA20 Schedule · SA20 Season 5