Biggest Jozi Cup ever is a roaring success
- Cricket SA
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
More than 2 200 players took to Gauteng’s cricket fields during the fifth edition of the Jozi Cup, a six-week winter club cricket tournament that commenced on 10 May.
Driven by community passion and purpose, the tournament was established to strengthen and sustain community club cricket while serving as a vital feeder into the Lions Cricket development pathway. The competition also incorporated key initiatives such as the Telkom Talent Acceleration Programme and Blind Cricket, reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity, accessibility and growth across all levels of the game.
With 153 teams representing 28 clubs and in excess of 570 matches played, the Jozi Cup once again showcased the depth of talent, passion and promise that exists within Johannesburg's cricketing community.
Jozi Cup Tournament Director Reuben Mandlazi said the scale of the tournament placed significant demands on the organising team long before the first ball was bowled.
"We drive ourselves extremely hard at Lions Cricket because we are wholeheartedly committed to early talent identification and long-term player development, and the Jozi Cup is where that journey begins for many aspiring cricketers. This tournament provides a platform to celebrate personal growth, playing development, diversity and opportunity. Across more than 570 matches, we witnessed skill, energy, disappointment, discipline, resilience and sportsmanship. Ultimately, talent was nurtured, character was built and we can take tremendous pride in playing our part in shaping the future of cricket within our clubs and communities. One of the finest displays of sportsmanship we’ve seen came in the U14 semi-final. An Exaze Sandton Tigers bowler ran out the GM Old Edwardians non-striker, who had left his crease early before delivery, and the umpires upheld the appeal. In a remarkable twist, the Tigers captain chose to withdraw the appeal, saying, 'I want him to bat'. That batter then struck a six off the final ball of the innings to win the match for GM Old Edwardians and send them through to the final."
Lions Cricket extends its sincere gratitude to its valued Jozi Cup partners, including DP World, Telkom, McDonald's, Shattered Glass, Diadora, Shrey, Blaster, DSC, Mnandi Signs, Joburg Tourism, Sun International, Mahindra, 947, Enza Construction, ACDC Express, Masana Energy Solutions, Fidelity Services Group, ADT, Biogen, Afripure, Sunfoil, Servest, Alliance, Richfield, Promac Paints, Lift Airlines, Hirsch's, Ola, Konica Minolta Gauteng, MRB Secure, Craft Homes and many others. Their continued support remains instrumental in growing the communities that Lions Cricket serves.
Lions Cricket CEO Jono Leaf-Wright highlighted the collective efforts of everyone involved in making the tournament a success.
"Every year I comment on how we've outperformed the previous edition, and this fifth edition is no different. The Jozi Cup has unearthed previously untapped talent, developed outstanding young people off the field and empowered those involved to believe and dream big. Playing the Finals on the world stage that is the DP World Wanderers Stadium is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and one we are privileged to provide this to the Jozi Cup participants year after year. To my team who delivered another spectacular edition, a genuine thank you for going above and beyond for the community we serve. You have done yourselves proud. To our partners, we simply could not have achieved this without your support. To those crowned champions, enjoy your success – you have earned it. And finally, to all participating clubs, thank you for making this our biggest and best edition yet. We are truly grateful for your commitment and passion."
578 matches. 2 248 players. 142 065 runs and 6 324 wickets. It’s been an action-packed six weeks that has now officially concluded. The 2026 Jozi Cup was a tournament played in the true spirit of cricket and a wonderful celebration of the Lions Cricket commitment to community development, opportunity and excellence.
Jozi Cup 2026 Winners
U9 - RKA Vereeniging Cricket Club
U11 - Randburg Cricket Club (Blue)
U13 Boys - Vereeniging Cricket Club
U13 Girls - Orange Farm Cricket Club
U14 - GM Old Edwardians Cricket Club
U16 - Jeppe Cricket Club
U18 - GM Old Edwardians Cricket Club
Senior Men's Open - Die Ratels Cricket Club
Women's Open - PAV Soweto Pioneers Cricket Club (Maroon)
Men's Open - NAS Royals Marks Park Cricket Club
Veterans - Exaze Sandton Tigers Cricket Club
Blind Cricket - Johannesburg Society for the Blind Cricket Club