Central Gauteng Lions AGM: The united Pride, applauds the successful delivery of the 2025/26 season

Central Gauteng Lions (CGL) reflected on a solid 2025/26 season at its 49th Annual General Meeting, held at the iconic DP World Wanderers Stadium. The Union celebrated another year of sporting excellence, organisational resilience and meaningful growth.

The Elective AGM brought together a full house of Lions Cricket stakeholders, united by a shared determination to continue advancing the game and creating meaningful impact both on and off the field.

The quieter international calendar, particularly on the men’s side, presented challenges to traditional revenue streams. However, disciplined financial management, the retention of major commercial partners and the growth of alternative income streams helped the Union maintain stability during a demanding economic period.

CGL successfully retained all major commercial partners and secured key renewals, including long-term commitments that reinforce confidence in the Lions Cricket brand. The Lions’ strength is reflected in the 49 valued commercial partners who continue to walk the journey with the Union into the 2026/27 season.

The AGM saw a new President elected to lead the Central Gauteng Lions Board: Ashraf Stemmet.

Stemmet commented that leading the Union was both a privilege and an honour not taken lightly. The passionate leader, who has played his part in the game at all levels also held positions such as Chair of Club Council; Deputy Chairperson of stadium sub-committee and permanent CGL Board Member over the last five years.

“As we look ahead to the 2027 World Cup, I am confident that this Union will write another chapter in history. This Union is leadership-rich and I feel so honored and grateful to be part of this journey and part of this team."

Having served his two terms, outgoing CGL President Dr Earl Glennistor expressed his appreciation to the Lions family for its support during his tenure and thanks everyone for their significant contributions to a wonderful year.

At the heart of the Union’s success is its ability to bring people together around a common purpose. That purpose was evident throughout the 2025/26 season, as the Pride continued to strive to be the Most Valuable Player in every area of its operation – while rewriting record books and consistently competing at the highest level.

Continuing as Vice President of Central Gauteng Lions, Mlungisi Nkosi was also re-elected as a Non-Independent Director, whilst Nivesh Nagar was re-elected as Chair of Finance. Lead Independent Maya Makanjee stepped down for family reasons, whilst Vinod Naidoo was elected as new Independent Director on the night. Ahmed Moola was elected as a new Non-Independent Director. Remaining with the Pride is new Lead Independent Director Mashilo Matsetela.

The 2025/26 season once again demonstrated the depth and consistency of the Lions’ cricketing programme. The DP World Lions Men’s and Women’s teams collectively competed in five competitions, finishing top of the log in four of them. The DP World Lions Men’s team secured a third consecutive CSA 4-Day Series title, adding to the Union’s cabinet.

While not every ambition translated into silverware, the consistent ability of Lions teams to compete at the highest level remains one of the Union’s greatest strengths. In addition, the Pride’s ability to retain its elite talent is equally significant, with an unprecedented 11 nationally contracted players choosing to remain with the DP World Lions for the 2026/27 season.

Beyond the professional teams, the season delivered outstanding results throughout the cricketing pathway.

2025/26 Highlights include:

• The DP World Lions Blind and DP World Lions Deaf Cricket teams continued to set the standard nationally.

• CGL became the first Union in South Africa to launch a Women’s Blind Cricket team: the DP World Lions Blind Women’s Cricket Team.

• Lions schools were the only schools from a single region to qualify for the SA20 Schools Final in both the boys and girls section with both schools winning there respective divisions.

• CGL was the only Union to reach all four finals at the CSA Provincial National Schools Week across the U16 boys’ and girls’ and U19 boys’ and girls’ competitions.

• The Lions secured victories in both the U16 Boys’ and U19 Boys’ finals.

• CGL was represented among the nominees at the 19th Annual SA Sport Awards, with nominations for Sports Star of the Year and Sport Administrator of the Year.

• The Union won the CSA Rural Week, a significant achievement for the Province.

• The list could go on …

Programmes such as the Telkom Talent Acceleration Programme, strong relationships with schools and a thriving club cricket structure continue to create a seamless pathway from grassroots cricket through to the professional ranks.

While sporting excellence remains central to the Lions’ identity, the Union continued to recognise that long-term sustainability requires strong performance off the field.

The DP World Wanderers Stadium continued to evolve as a multi-purpose destination, hosting more than 180 non-cricket events during the past year across entertainment, corporate and community categories. The Union also continued strategic investment in digital capability, fan engagement and infrastructure, strengthening the stadium’s position as more than a sporting venue – but as a hub of connection, innovation and inspiration. The ability to diversify revenue, maximise the value of the stadium and continue investing strategically places the Union in a strong position to pursue future growth.

As the Union looks ahead to the 2026/27 season, its ambitions remain high: to compete for honours, develop the next generation of talent, grow the game, strengthen its commercial sustainability and ensure that every member of the Lions family contributes genuine and meaningful impact. Central Gauteng Lions remains steadfast in its mission to advance and transform cricket, guided by its enduring values of excellence, leadership and accountability.

Central Gauteng Lions would also like to extend its sincere appreciation to its loyal partners and supporters: You inspire us, challenge us and push us to set the Gold Standard and never settle for second. You are our lifeblood, our heartbeat and we thank you for continuing to ROAR loudly and proudly.

As a new chapter begins, the Lions move forward together – united by ambition, strengthened by community and driven by a relentless pursuit of the Gold Standard of Excellence.

The Pride is ready to ROAR into 2026/27.