Photo Credit: Central Gauteng Lions Cricket
The Kagiso Cricket Club in partnership with Lions Cricket, Mogale City, Ashraful Aid and BRM Ribs unveiled the recently upgraded change rooms as part of the Unions transformation objectives. The facility represents a more modern and appealing environment with the sole purpose of creating a conducive and friendly environment for players, staff, visitors and management.
The Kagiso Sports Complex which is home to the Kagiso Cricket Club was the only Premier League A club in the country without change rooms which has always put the team at a disadvantage as they were unable to host any high-profile matches.
“This is now a thing of the past as the clubhouse and seating areas are newly renovated thus puts the team one step closer to their goal of hosting larger tournaments,” says Mogale City’s Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Division MMC Charmaine Ntlatlane-Zwane.
The renovations, which were made possible through funding from Lions Cricket and support from many partners, Chief Executive Office Jono Leaf-Wright says, “this is a proud day for us on our journey of levelling the playing fields and will not only add to the Cricket SA Blue-Chip Club status of KCC but will further ensure that Kagiso Cricket Club continues to produce quality players that the province and country needs.”
The day was celebrated further with the presence of Ashraful Aid on the donation of food parcels and well supported with the presence of Lions Cricket Board members; Lions Cricket CEO Jono Leaf-Wright, HUB coaches and mini cricket coaching staff with all covid19 protocols strictly adhered to.
The Lions Cricket Services Manager conducted a mini cricket coaching clinic with the support of the club’s coaching staff and fellow Hub coaches.
“The project speaks to ensuring continuous infrastructure development and the use of quality facilities in order to produce talented players so says Frans Nkwe,” Kagiso Cricket Club Chairperson.
Lions Cricket CEO Jono Leaf-Wright elaborates on the upgrade;
“Kagiso Cricket Club are a well-run, passionate and dedicated club so an upgrade like this is certainly well deserved as they serve the game we love with absolute professionalism and pride.”
Ashraful Aid Executive Director, Moulana Suhail Wadee, who showed support at the unveiling event and has extended a helping hand for the distribution of grocery hampers to the cricketing community members in need said; “We would like to thank the Lions Cricket for inviting us to be part of this memorable moment to welcome the Kagiso Cricket Club’s upgraded change room facilities. This upgrade and support has come at a much-needed time of social change and challenges for the players, staff and management. With this revamp we look forward to seeing our players’ spirits rise, as they prepare themselves for the new 2021/22 cricket season kick-off and we wish them all the best.”
“The project has a fantastic strategic fit across all partners namely Lions Cricket, Kagiso Cricket Club and the Mogale City Mayor and that is to create a passion for the game amongst a friendly environment. In addition, the partners endeavour to use the platform to drive inclusivity and sustainable social and economic change.” concludes Leaf-Wright #ThePrideOfJozi #LionsCricket
