​Brothers Dewald and Niel Botha are not cricketers who'd thought they'd get a degree as a back-up plan for when their cricketing days are over.

For these two students in the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science their studies have always taken priority.

However, that did not stop them from excelling on the cricket field too.

Dewald (24), who received his Master's degree in Actuarial Science this week, captained Steinhoff Maties Cricket's first team for the past two years and also led the Boland T20 team that participated in the inaugural Africa T20 Cricket Tournament last year. This team included current and former national and provincial players such as Robin Peterson and Stiaan van Zyl.

"I learnt a lot from these players," says Dewald.

This batting all-rounder will now travel to England where he will play club cricket

His younger brother Niel (20), in his third year of an Actuarial Science degree, also represents Maties and was a member of the Boland T20 team too.

They agree that time management is key. "If you know you have matches over the weekend, you need to get you work done ahead of time."

Dewald and Niel, former learners of Eikestad Primary and Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch, both started playing cricket at a very young age and represented Boland at various age group levels.

"Cricket has always been part of our lives," says Niel.

However, graduating has always been their main goal. While Dewald completed his master's degree at Stellenbosch, Niel hopes to continue his studies abroad one day.

The brothers love playing cricket because it challenges them on both a physical and mental level. They like the team aspect of the sport and have learnt some valuable life lessons, such as dealing with disappointment and performing under pressure.

"Balance is important if you want to be successful in both your studies and your sport. There is time for everything if you are disciplined and willing to work hard," they believe.

Main photo by Stefan Els