Photo Credit: Lions Cricket
South Africa’s biggest T20 winter community club cricket competition concludes in style.
The iconic DP World Wanderers Stadium played host to some of the top players and clubs from Friday 16 June 2023 to Sunday 18 June 2023, with under 11s right through to veterans competing for their respective titles. In lieu of making the finals, the teams were treated to the full use of the majestic stadium and its’ facilities – just as if they were representing their province or country itself.
Now in its second year, the aim of the tournament was to grow the base of community club players which Lions Cricket CEO Jono Leaf-Wright says they achieved with distinction;
“The tournament was played by over 110 teams at 33 venues throughout Central Gauteng. Over 1800 players participated in the over 450 matches, and this weekend’s finals were an exceptional portrayal of talent, determination and love of the game. This tournament has empowered and encouraged clubs to generate additional revenue, push player talent and create a camaraderie that is synonymous with the Lions Pride. The winter carnival of cricket has undoubtably further strengthened our powerful pipeline and the Telkom Talent Acceleration Program. We are grateful for our clubs’ participation; the administrators’ dedication, all involved stakeholders and our valued headline partner Diadora – because of them, this tournament has expanded beyond our dreams. A hearty congratulations all round.”
Diadora Chief Financial Officer Hamza Saloojee says that Diadora takes pride in the successful culmination of the Diadora Jozi Cup;
“It is a cricket tournament that exemplified the significance of every step taken, both on and off the field. In partnership with Lions Cricket, this memorable event showcased exceptional talent, thrilling moments, and the essence of the sport, highlighting Diadora’s commitment to leaving a lasting impact. The Diadora Jozi Cup has allowed us to stand beside everyone, embracing every crucial run, wicket, cheer, and step along the way. We are grateful for the opportunity to share our philosophy and love for sports, particularly cricket, with the participants and fans.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Lions Cricket, the participating clubs, the enthusiastic fans, and all our partners who contributed to the success of the Diadora Jozi Cup. Their unwavering support and dedication have been instrumental in making this event truly exceptional.”
Diadora Jozi Cup 2023 winners are as follows:
U11: FVA Sandton Tigers Cricket Club
U13: UJ Rivonia Rangers Cricket Club
U14: Wits Cricket Club
U16: Big Bom Lenasia Cricket Club
U18: Khosa Cricket Club
Senior Men’s Open: Die Ratels Cricket Club
Premier Ladies: PAV Soweto Pioneers Cricket Club
Premier Men: Jeppe Cricket Club
Veterans: Jeppe Cricket Club
Blind Cricket: Johannesburg Society for Blind Cricket
Special mention to PAV Soweto Pioneers Cricket Club and Jeppe Cricket Club who retain their titles in their respective divisions for the second year in a row.
The tournament also played host to a successful anti Gender Based Violence campaign, through the Unity Badge which was included on the sleeve of all participating players. For many years now, Lions Cricket have stood firmly behind fighting the ‘second pandemic’ of Gender Based Violence (GBV), with the horrific statistic of 1 in 3 women in South Africa falling victim – a statistic of which we should be ashamed of as men.
Lions Cricket CEO Jono Leaf-Wright commented that we are all fully aware of the power that sport has to unite; “You will be well aware of the Unity Stand at our Stadium in celebration of standing as one, without bias. With this in mind, Lions Cricket launched The UNITY Badge – a badge symbolic of our stance against all forms of racism and GBV, whilst also creating consistent and constant awareness against the scourge of cancer. Our players wore their badges with pride and together, we helped bring about awareness and drive change.”
Tournament Director and Cricket Services Manager at Lions Cricket, Reuben Mandlazi smiled as the night drew to a close;
“Throughout this tournament we celebrated the health and strength of our club structures, players and people – this tournament was for them – our key ingredient into our all-important and ever-swelling pipeline. Diadora Jozi Cup continues to grow year after year, and I am immensely proud that it shows no signs of slowing down.”
In closing, Lions Cricket would like to thank the following partners:
Diadora SA, DP World, McDonald’s, Promac Paints, Sunbet, Masana Energy Solutions, Sun International, Shattered Glass, Telkom, Hot102.7FM, Lift Airlines, Enza Construction, Beyers, Ellies, Shrey, ADT, Blaster, Afripure, Macrocomm, Sunfoil and Richfield – all of whom have helped to further expand the Lions Cricket talent pool during this Diadora Jozi Cup. A very special mention to the Lions Cricket staff, officials and all involved who worked tirelessly to ensure the 2023 edition was a success. The Lion certainly roared louder and prouder and it’s because of the entire Lions family that remains united and committed to excellence.
