The Lions Cricket Team roared into the new season with a spectacular launch event at Africa’s premier cricket venue, the DP World Wanderers Stadium. The #SpiritOfChampions was palpable as the Pride set their sights on maintaining their domestic dominance with an unwavering drive for excellence.

In front of over 40 key partners, along with players, media representatives, administrators, and Lions Cricket Board members, the launch revealed an exciting season ahead. Attendees were treated to insights on the season's fixtures, groundbreaking stadium events, and a continued commitment to sustainability through partnerships with organizations like Polyco. The event showcased a robust promise to bring world-class cricket to the community.

While the DP World Lions Men’s team remains largely unchanged, the Women’s team has bolstered its ranks with the addition of seasoned leader Tazmin Brits and promising young talent Liyema Jubati. These new players are expected to enhance the team’s performance and competitive edge.

This season promises a blend of thrilling on-field action and engaging off-field activities, including club activations and dynamic content. Cricket enthusiasts can look forward to spot prizes, the One-Handed Catch competition, influencer contributions, and more, all designed to enrich the fan experience at the state-of-the-art stadium.

Jono Leaf-Wright, a key figure in the Lions Cricket organization, acknowledged the challenge of maintaining high standards but welcomed it with enthusiasm: “The Pride embraces the pressure as a privilege. Our partners, families, fans, and players are all committed to excellence, and we are excited to roar loudly and proudly this season as we strive for peak performance on and off the field.”

Global logistics leader DP World has reaffirmed its support, extending its partnership with the Lions Cricket team. DP World will continue as the headline partner for both the men’s and women’s teams, as well as the Blind and Deaf teams. Esha Mansingh, DP World’s Head of Corporate Affairs & Sustainability for Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighted the success of their partnership and its impact on the community: “Our ongoing collaboration has led to significant milestones, and we look forward to even greater achievements in grassroots cricket and community engagement.”

The Lions Cricket team also celebrated its renewed partnership with McDonald's, with the Golden Arches extending their support beyond the playing field. New partners ACDC, SANI, Newspirit, Mobi G, Primedia, and 947 have joined the Pride’s roster, contributing to the team’s continued success.

The launch event concluded with a reaffirmation of Lions Cricket’s commitment to teamwork, diversity, equity, inclusivity, and community engagement. The season’s theme, embracing the Spirit of Champions, underscores the organization’s dedication to excellence both on and off the pitch.

Highlights from the 2023/24 Season:

Lions Cricket was named the 2023 Sports Organisation of the Year at the Sports Industry Awards.
The DP World Lions Women’s team secured second place in both the One Day Cup and the T20 Competition.
The DP World Lions Men’s team triumphed in the CSA T20 competition and the 4-Day Competition.
The Colts finished first in both the 50 overs and 3-Day Cricket Northern Group competitions.
The Telkom Lions Academy remained unbeaten throughout the season.
Multiple players received Protea National contracts.
The team achieved the best financial results in 11 years, alongside launching the Beyond Boundaries initiative at DP World Wanderers Stadium.
The stadium enhanced its Smart Stadium capabilities with energy-saving innovations and a GO-GREEN recycling campaign.

2024/25 DP World Lions Men’s Team: Ryan Rickelton, Reeza Hendricks, Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, Mitchell van Buuren, Wiaan Mulder, Evan Jones, Bjorn Fortuin, Tshepo Moreki, Codi Yusuf, Kwena Maphaka, Zubayr Hamza, Connor Esterhuizen, Junaid Dawood, Nqaba Peter, Kagiso Rabada, Delano Potgieter, Lutho Sipamla, Dominic Hendricks, Wandile Makwetu, Muhammad Manack, Joshua Richards.

2024/25 DP World Lions Women’s Team: Relebohile Mkhize, Raisibe Ntozakhe, Sarah Nettleton, Kirstie Thomson, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Thabethe, Kgomotso Rapoo (C), Sunette Viljoen-Louw, Sinalo Jafta, Diara Ramlakan, Lehlohonolo Meso, Samantha Schutte, Sarah Barber, Tumi Sekhukhune, Madison Landsman, Tazmin Brits, Chloe Tryon, Liyema Jubati, Refilwe Moncho, Jenna Evans, Karabo Meso, Shabnim Ismail, Razeena Manack, Palesa Mapoo.

The Lions Cricket team is primed for another extraordinary season, continuing their quest for glory with the unwavering support of their partners and fans.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]