Photo Credit: Imperial Lions
The Imperial Lions are ready to take to the field as the defending champions of the 4-Day Domestic Series come 2nd of November 2020 against the Hollywoodbets Dolphins down in Durban.
According to the Lions Cricket CEO Jono Leaf-Wright; “the team is aiming to add more silverware to its cabinet in what will be one of the most challenging seasons ahead. The 2020/2021 domestic season promises to be another tough and challenging season as all franchises have strengthened their teams and ready to defend their own territory.”
“As the franchise, we are fully aware of the challenging season ahead especially playing under the strict COVID19 regulations. We will miss our very special and loyal fans at the stadium in certainly the first half of the season. Our fans play a vital role as the 12th man, however, various at home fan experiences are planned for our Lions supporters. The Lions Cricket board is pleased to have retained key members of the team and welcome new players. We are fully behind the coaching staff, team’s management, and the entire squad. We are proud to have retained all sponsors and welcome new partners. The board will lend a hand in supporting various socio-economic challenges” commented Lions Cricket Franchise Chairperson Anne Vilas.
Welcoming new players
Lions Cricket was extremely excited to welcome Lutho Sipamla, Sisanda Magala, Wesley Marshall and Tladi Bokako as new signings. The four players have been inducted into the Imperial Lion’s family.
2020/2021 Imperial Lions Squad:
Temba Bavuma (Captain), Rassie van der Dussen (Vice Captain), Kagiso Rabada, Reeza Hendricks, Dwaine Pretorius, Beuran Hendricks, Aaron Phangiso, Nicky van der Bergh, Bjorn Fortuin, Wiaan Mulder, Dominic Hendricks, Nono Pongolo, Ryan Rickelton, Eldred Hawken, Kagiso Rapulana, Delano Potgieter, Joshua Richards, Malusi Siboto, Lutho Sipamla, Sisanda Magala, Wesley Marshall and Tladi Bokako.
Lions Cricket is honoured to have retained all existing sponsors and partners:
- Imperial has committed their loyalty to the team as the official naming rights partner of the Imperial Lions
- ENZA Construction as official associate partner. Enza has extended their partnership with Lions Cricket for the next 3-years.
- SunBet and Sun International as the official lifestyle partner who have been with the Lions for the past 5-years.
- BAS as the official Lions Cricket kit partner and have extended their partnership for the next 3 years.
- Shrey Helmets as the official helmet partner who also have extended their partnership for the next 3-years.
We welcome new sponsors and partners to the Lions family:
- Motus Honda as our new official vehicle and transport partner
- Masana Fuels as our fuel partner
- Richfield as our official educational partner
- Konica Minolta Gauteng our official printing partner
- Independent Newspaper. Previous sponsorship was mainly stadium and now includes the Imperial Lions sponsorship and or related matter.
- Beyers Chocolate as an official associate partner to the team
Lions Cricket Summer Campaign
The Union unveiled its 2020/2021 summer campaign aimed at creating passion for the game of cricket while lending a hand on various socio-economic challenges, nurture and develop world star players and offer best-in-class stadium experiences, both on and off the field. We will continue to champion the space of multipurposing the Imperial Wanderers into a destination venue of choice while also delivering entertainment and lifestyle events befitting of Joburg’s fan base.
“The intention is to offer fans more than a cricket experience under the brand promise ‘Lets Meet at the Imperial Wanderers’” commented Head of Imperial Lions Marketing and Communications Manager, Wanele Mngomezulu.
The Highveld franchise will continue its support for people living with autism, poverty alleviation and raise the awareness of the high levels of gender based violence we face in our country and around the world.
“We are proud to work with the Randburg Clinic School of Autism, Ashraful Aid and various poverty alleviation organisations as well as People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA) and Elegance Jewellers Melrose Arch to raise the awareness of high levels of femicide”
“Throughout the lockdown, the Ashraful Aid foundation has donated over 500-food parcels across most of CGL clubs and kindly donated 100-food parcels to the beneficiaries of POWA on the day of our season launch”.
“Elegance Jewellers have donated 500-elegently designed bracelets aimed at raising awareness for the high levels of femicide. All proceeds from the sale of bracelets will be donated to POWA”.
“The Imperial Lions will play all 2020/2021 domestic season games (4-Day, Momentum One Day Cup and CSA T20) under the theme #ENDFEMICIDENOW!” concludes Mngomezulu.
