Lions Cricket and Telkom continue their formidable partnership

Lions Cricket are proud to confirm the Prides partnership renewal with Telkom for at least another three years, reinforcing a shared commitment to bridging the gap between amateur and professional cricket through a robust, inclusive and all-encompassing pipeline programme.

The Telkom Talent Acceleration Programme is the umbrella under which #ThePrideOfJozi cricketing eco-system operates, identifies and accelerates talent on and off the field. At the heart of this approach are initiatives such as the Mini-Cricket programme that introduces the game at grassroots level, focusing on previously disadvantaged communities across Gauteng. Driven by passionate volunteers, the programme also includes coaching certifications and encourages clubs to host local festivals.

Progressing up the age groups are Youth and Schools Cricket programmes that continuously produce standout performances and secure national representatives. With transformation and inclusion at its core, the initiative ensures all schools have access to the cricketing ecosystem.

Bridging the gap from school to professional cricket, is the Telkom Lions Academy and Colts Programmes which focus on developing both on-field and life skills, preparing players for elite performance. Academy players are scouted from clubs and schools and guided through a well-rounded development journey.

Club cricket is well covered with the Enza Premier League (Men); DP World Premier League (Women); Blackwidow T20; the Macrocomm Knockout Cup and The Jozi Cup amongst others. Just concluded, The Jozi Cup, featured over 130 teams from U11 through to Veterans, leaving no stone unturned when it comes to the unearthing of talent.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with Lions Cricket and to reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable cricketing ecosystem. At Telkom, we believe in the power of sport to transform lives and communities and the Telkom Talent Acceleration Programme is a testament to that belief. Through this partnership, we’re not only nurturing athletic excellence but also investing in education, leadership and infrastructure that enables long-term growth from the grassroots up. We are inspired by the remarkable impact already achieved and look forward to the next chapter of driving change, championing talent, and creating access to opportunity across Gauteng,” commented Gugu Mthembu, Telkom’s CMO.

Cricket Services Manager of Lions Cricket, Reuben Mandlazi says that the Telkom Future Cup continues to be a programme that has provided fresh opportunities.

“It provides significant exposure to our universities namely the University of the Witwatersrand and University of Johannesburg, as well as the Sedibeng Rural team, the Academy and the Colts. Through this initiative, we can unearth new talent which previously would not have had the same platform on which to perform. We are particularly looking forward to the ladies’ section of the Telkom Future Cup with the inclusion of the Ladies emerging team; U19 team and the Senior team.”

Developing young, aspiring cricketers through the grassroots-driven pipeline is the name of the game so says Lions Cricket CEO, Jono Leaf-Wright, emphasizing the Union’s bottom-up approach: “All of this is pushed from the bottom up – our Hubs, Telkom Talent Acceleration Programme, Telkom Lions Academy, and multiple leagues spanning quality schools, universities and clubs. This Pride is relentless in pursuit of perfection and with Telkom walking with us, our journey is genuinely changing lives for the better on-field and off it. Over and above the bat and ball action, is the infrastructure investment provided by Telkom in the revamping and revival

of multiple venues. Top-tier facilities aligning to the Union’s commitment to excellence is a key focus of Lions Cricket. I speak on behalf of the Union when I thank the powerhouse that is Telkom. From the first ball, you’ve given us the support, freedom, and guidance to grow the game and make a genuine impact. Your backing has elevated players, coaches, administrators and communities alike and we thank you for believing in our vision and helping us drive impact, influence and inspiration along the way.”