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Cricket | Lions Cricket 24/25 Season Launch The Hunt Begins

The quest to continue domestic dominance is underway, with the Pride roaring, ready and fixated on their prey

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12 September 2024 – Today's Lions Cricket season launch saw the #SpiritOfChampions unleash their killer teams; powerful partnerships and an unrivalled energy for excellence. Hosted at Africa's only Tier One cricket stadium, DP World Wanderers Stadium whets the appetite of those craving an exciting season promising impactful initiatives, fresh talent, new records, more bang for your buck, and the bagging of the treasured trophies.

With over 40 partners of the Pride present, as well as players, media, administrators and Lions Cricket Board members, the launch unveiled the teams for the season ahead; fixtures; world class stadium events; the continued vision to "go green" with partners Polyco; and the all-important promise to deliver the beautiful game to the community in which Lions Cricket serves.

Whilst the DP World Lions Men's team remains pretty much unchanged, the Women's team reaffirmed their commitment to excellence by onboarding the experienced talent and natural leader in Tazmin Brits as well as youngster, Liyema Jubati, who will pack a powerful punch with her promise and hunger to succeed.

With competitions, club activations and electrifying content all in the pipeline, the Pride promises thrills on and off the pitch during the 2024/2025 season. Cricket fans can expect spot prizes; the One-Handed Catch competition; influencer input and much more come game day – there's simply no stopping our hunt for more this year. Housed in a world class smart stadium that utilises state-of-the-art digital technology; best practices and pioneering innovative solutions; the fan experience is simply unparalleled.

Having won 15 titles in the last 5 years and over 40 awards as CSA's annual gala function, the ask to maintain such a high standard is recognised, appreciated and indeed relished, says Pride kingpin, Jono Leaf-Wright: "The Pride accepts that pressure is a privilege. We have partners that back us in the boardroom and within and outside the boundary ropes. We have families, friends and fans that share in our devotion to be our best and we have players and administrators that love what they do, their team, and the game. We believe, that all combined, the Pride will roar loudly and proudly this coming season as our hunger to perform on and off the field is greater than ever before."

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Leading the charge, global logistics giant DP World re-affirmed its support of the Pride, extending its partnership with Lions Cricket and our Stadium. DP World will remain as headline partner of the DP World Wanderers Stadium as well as headline partner for the DP World Lions Men's and Women's professional teams, as well as the DP World Lions Blind and Deaf teams.

Esha Mansingh, DP World's Head of Corporate Affairs & Sustainability for sub-Saharan Africa, says, "We have witnessed significant milestones over the past five years of our partnership with the Pride, celebrating numerous on-field achievements and the integration of the DP World Wanderers Stadium as a hub of lasting impact in our communities. Our partnership extension is poised to drive even better results for all Lions Cricket teams alongside the continued development of grassroots cricket in South Africa and the African continent, while connecting communities through our logistics and supply chain networks".

Lions Cricket is extremely grateful for DP World's unwavering commitment, truly changing what's possible for everyone.

Continuing their purple patch, Lions Cricket also proudly published its renewal with McDonalds. The treasured Golden Arches extends far beyond the playing kit as they continue their journey alongside the Lions to make a genuine, impactful and memorable difference within the cricketing community. We welcome the families at ACDC, SANI, Newspirit, Mobi G, Primedia and 947 to the list of Pride partners. We are so thankful to all our existing partners who make what we do possible. #ThePrideOfJozi thanks you and promises a peak performance this season.

When all was said and shown, the launch concluded with the final commitment of Lions Cricket to live, love, learn and lead in their teamwork, diversity, equity, inclusivity and community engagement because this season really is about embracing the Spirit of Champions.

Highlights from the past 2023/24 season included:

  • Lions Cricket named as the 2023 Sports Organisation of the Year at the Sports Industry Awards;
  • DP World Lions Women placed second in both the One Day Cup and the T20 Competition;
  • DP World Lions Men winning both the CSA T20 competition as well as the 4-Day Competition;
  • The Colts: Finish first in both the 50 overs and 3-Day Cricket – Northern Group competition;
  • Unbeaten Telkom Lions Academy throughout the season;
  • Multiple Protea National contracts;
  • Sustainable financial turnaround declaring the best financial results in 11 years;
  • Beyond Boundaries initiative launched at DP World Wanderers Stadium;
  • DP World Wanderers Stadium grew its Smart Stadium footprint due to energy preservation installations and innovation as well as a recycling plan with a GO-GREEN awareness campaign.

2024/25 DP World Lions Mens 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 Womens 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

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