Photo Credit: Lions Cricket
The prestigious capping ceremony took place last evening at the iconic DP World Wanderers Stadium, with an impressive 23 teams receiving the honour of wearing the Pride’s badge from here on in.
Spanning right through from under 13 Regional teams to the Provincial under 19 teams, the Long Room was abuzz with tremendous excitement, determination and just reward for the players present as they continue their Cubs to Lions journey and hopefully on to greatness with bat and ball.
The Regional Week teams are participating in the Gauteng Cup, launched by Lions Cricket in 2021 and embraced by its Geo-Political neighbours of Northerns and Easterns who collectively have worked tirelessly this year to ensure the Gauteng Cup has grown considerably. This Geo-Political competition showcases the strength of the Gauteng Province and its strong cricketing history. Under the auspices of the Gauteng Cricket Council (Lions, Northerns and Easterns), the Gauteng Cup promises to be a talent festival to take note of. The Provincial teams representing Lions Cricket at the CSA National Weeks are filled with the promise of flying the Lions flag high, challenging the country’s best and Lions Cricket are confident that every player that takes to the field, will roar loud and proud.
The following teams received caps last evening:
Gauteng Cup Regional Week Teams:
2 x Under 13 Girls teams: Tournament is 3 – 6 December 2022, in Benoni
4 x Under 13 Boys teams: Tournament is 3 – 6 December 2022, in Johannesburg
2 x Under 15 Girls teams: Tournament is 8 – 12 December 2022, in Johannesburg
1 x Under 16 Girls Invitational Team: Tournament is 8– 12 December 2022, in Johannesburg
5 x Under 15 Boys teams: Tournament is 8 – 12 December 2022, in Benoni
5 x Under 17 Boys teams: Tournament is 8 – 12 December 2022, in Pretoria
CSA National Week Teams:
1 x Under 16 Girls: Tournament is 12 – 15 December 2022, in East London
1 x Under 16 Boys: Tournament is 10 – 14 December 2022, in Johannesburg
1 x Under 19 Girls: Tournament is 13 – 16 December 2022, in Bloemfontein
1 x Under 19 Boys: Tournament is 15 – 18 December 2022, in Stellenbosch
CGL Cricket Services Manager Reuben Mandlazi, said that the team selection process was conducted in October;
“Through stellar performances from the players they have received the call-up to represent #ThePrideOfJozi at the respective age group levels. This is a strong group of youngsters and we trust that they will treasure the Lions brand as much as we all do. On behalf of the Lions Cricket Union, I would like to warmly congratulate the players on their achievements to date and wish them all the best for the upcoming respective tournaments.”
Lions Cricket CEO Jono Leaf-Wright says that it’s the powerful pipeline that has resulted in a full trophy cabinet over the many years at Lions Cricket;
“Our pipeline is our life blood. These players are tomorrow’s superstars and our future lies in their heroics on-field and off it. Coupled with their talent, is each players desire to work to their maximum ability in order to reach their full potential, and we strongly encourage them all the way. It is our role at Lions Cricket and our duty to care, to continue to empower each player, guide them and ensure that they follow their cricketing goals and DREAM BIG. To all my Cubs capped last night: Enjoy every match and wear your Lions badge with pride – remembering that you are 100% backed by your Lions family – you are the Pride of Jozi. Never forget that top performances are achieved when you play with love and freedom. Let the Lions ROAR!”
