The hunt begins for DP World Lions

Last month, the Central Gauteng Lions concluded their 2024/25 season with the Unions best financial results in the past 12 years. Add to that the Pride’s 3 x Domestic Trophies, 11 x 2024/25 CSA Award trophies, the Sports Orgniasation of the Year Trophy for the second consecutive year and much more, the ambitions are sky-high as they head in to hunt the 2025/26 season.

The DP World Lions Cricket season launch took place on friday on the field of Africa’s only Tier One cricket stadium: The DP World Wanderers. The proud Pride; partners and ever-swelling friends, fans, families and key stakeholders joined in the morning's festivities admiring the sky-divers; dancers; free-bee’s and fashion show.

In recognition and celebration of the Unions history of excellence, the #LegacyOfChampions campaign was launched. Building from the bottom up, through the Telkom Talent Acceleration Programme, the next generation is hard at work as #ThePrideOfJozi builds

all-inclusive champions beyond the field; inspiring communities throughout the journey.

Dr Earl Glennistor, President of the Central Gauteng Lions Board, stressed the importance of unity, passion and purpose in building a thriving sports community. Glennistor shared a compelling vision that captures the heart of the Lions – from our partners, to clubs, professional teams, coaching staff and administrators. His focus on teamwork, inclusivity, and long-term growth emphasised not only a winning strategy but also a commitment to enriching the lives of everyone involved in the game of cricket. “I wish our Lions pride all the best for the upcoming season and thank every player, school, club, partner and fan for their unwavering support.”

Lions Cricket CEO Jono Leaf-Wright says that the Pride has enjoyed being the country’s most successful Union and that it’s the energy for excellence that powers them forward.

“We are financially fit, mentally fit and physically fit from the bottom through to the top; boardroom to boundary. We never settle. The people of our Pride find purpose in playing; love to positively impact the lives of others; and genuinely believe in the power of sport to do good. Our #LegacyOfChampions campaign is about Dreaming Big – acknowledging the successes of those gone before you; the greatness inside of you; and the ability you have to change the lives of those around you. We have a powerful pack of partners that empower us to play with freedom; bring exciting activations and electrifying content to our fans; expand the game to new audiences and achieve things we never thought possible.”

Leading global ports and logistics business provider, DP World, is proud to continue its support of Lions Cricket remaining as headline partner of the DP World Wanderers Stadium and 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. This ongoing partnership demonstrates the continued ambition to drive inclusivity, transformation, and community development.

Esha Mansingh, Head of Corporate Affairs & Sustainability sub-Saharan Africa, DP World says, “We are proud to continue our long-standing partnership with Lions Cricket as we step into an exciting new season, following another success-filled 2024/2025 calendar.

Our partnership also extends beyond cricket, representing a shared commitment to excellence, resilience and the ability to empower communities on and off the field, with grassroots development remaining a core focus. With several DP World Lions Women

representing South Africa at the upcoming ICC Women's World Cup, we've witnessed the impact of our collaboration growing the sport from strength to strength and we look forward to what the new season will bring."

Cricket fans will welcome the news of the Lions Cricket App powered by Telkom - an innovative platform that has been designed to bring the Lions fans closer to the game, offering real-time updates, exclusive content and an interactive experience that celebrates

the spirit of Lions Cricket.

Leaf-Wright commented: “Together with Telkom, we are taking an important step in enhancing digital engagement, ensuring that our supporters can connect with our players anytime, anywhere. This marks a new chapter in how we engage with our community, combining the passion of cricket with the power of technology.”

On the Professional side of the DP World Lions men’s game, the 4-Day Domestic Series will kick off the season, followed by the T20 Challenge from the end of October, then the Proteas Women play at the DP World Wanderers Stadium on 19 December 2025 with the SA20 starting soon after on New Years Day at the stadium. February will see the end of the 4-Day Series with the Proteas men playing at the DP World Wanderers on 6 February 2026 in a T20 against the West Indies. The Pride then head into the 1-Day Cup, which will be followed by the 50-over competition winding up the season with the final on 29 March 2026.

DP World Lions Head Coach Russel Domingo says that despite having an amazing last two seasons, the team always pushes for more.

“This season promises to be an exciting one for us. Our crop of coaches remain as strong as ever with the likes of Allan Donald, Hashim Amla, Jonty Rhodes and Jimmy Kgamadi all powering us to beat our best. We warmly welcome Beyers Swanepoel and Siya Plaatjie who will strengthen our bowling resources immensely. Our goal remains to dominate not only domestically but on the world stage too – representing the Lions Cricket brand to the best of our ability.”

The DP World Lions Women will start their season with the Pro50 Series on 4 October versus the Dolphins at the DP World Wanderers Stadium den. The following day will see the same two teams battle it out in the Pro20. With a break between the 50 over and 20 over competitions from the middle of December until the beginning of February, the Pro20 final will conclude on 13 March, followed by the Pro 50 final on Sunday 15 March 2026.

DP World Lions Ladies Head Coach Sandile Masengemi says that the pre-season has been a productive one to date.

“The squad has been hard at work, sharpening both their skills and fitness, approaching the sessions with renewed vigour a steely resolve. Our focus this year is on building consistency in our performances and pushing ourselves to an even higher standard, both on an individual level as well as team level. Like every season, there will be challenges but the resilience and hunger we’ve seen in training gives us tremendous confidence. We do not have any new signings and instead utilised our powerful pipeline in the promotion of four players from our emerging space to our Professional Pride, namely Thuto Thibedi, Lethabo Bidli, Neo Molefe and Leani Swanepoel. We have experienced some minor injury setbacks but the depth of our squad is extensive and we are well covered. Most importantly, we want to make our supporters proud — their passion drives us, and we can’t wait to share this journey with them when the season kicks off on the 4th of October.”

Lions Cricket would like to take this opportunity to thank their valued partners who assist in every way possible, appreciating your contributions and acknowledging the genuine impact you make on each pride member.

2025/26 DP World Lions Men’s Squad

Temba Bavuma; Wiaan Mulder; Kwena Maphaka; Ryan Rickelton; Reeza Hendricks; Kagiso Rabada; Rassie Van Der Dussen; Dominic Hendricks; Bjorn Fortuin; Joshua Richards; Lutho Sipamla; Mitchell Van Buuren; Codi Yusuf; Evan Jones; Delano Potgieter; Connor Esterhuizen; Zubayr Hamza; Beyers Swanepoel; Nqaba Peter; Richard Seletswane; Wandile Makwetu; Siya

Plaatjie; Tiaan Brits.

High Performance players: Khaya Fakude; Rafeeq Patel; Esosa Aihevba.

2025/26 DP World Lions Ladies Squad

Ayabonga Khaka; Tumi Sekhukhune; Sinalo Jafta; Tazmin Brits; Chloe Tryon; Karabo Meso; Shabnim Ismail; Kgomotso Rapoo; Madison Landsman; Jenna Evans; Lehlohonolo Meso; Refilwe Moncho; Sarah Nettleton; Raisibe Ntozakhe; Relebohile Mkhize; Nonkululeko Thabethe; Sunette Viljoen-Louw.

High Performance players: Neo Molefe; Lethabo Bidli; Thuto Thibedi; Fay Cowling; Liyema Jubati; Razeena Manack; Diara Ramlakan; Leani Swanepoel; Keamogetswe Chuene.