Photo Credit: Lions Cricket
Lions Cricket declares its best financial results in the last 10 years. Add to that, the 7 trophies won, and it certainly is a season to be celebrated.
The 46th AGM reflected on a season in which the Pride ‘Brought their Best’ in all they did, successfully hunting down 7 trophies, whilst declaring handsome financials to its shareholders.
CGL President Anne Vilas says that the Union maintains a disciplined approach on spending; a warm welcoming heart to new partners and is resolute in its vision of ensuring the long-term sustainability of cricket.
“Everything we do, we do with Pride. Every member knows the honour of representing such a powerful brand in the game that we love and serve. We continue to build the foundations for a better future, with our level 2 B-BBEE contributor status which is indicative of us placing transformation at the forefront in our business efforts. I want to warmly congratulate every member of Lions Cricket for their commitment and teamwork throughout this last financial year. A special thank you to Pride Kingpin, our CEO Jono Leaf-Wright who is inspirational in his leadership and abundant in energy.”
Highlights from the 2022/23 season include:
– Retaining the CSA One-Day Cup trophy for the 3rd consecutive year: DP World Lions Men;
– Winners of the 2022/23 CSA T20 competition: DP World Lions Women;
– CSA Awards: 18 nominations
– Significant national team representation on all levels;
– Level 2 B-BBEE contributor status;
– Deaf Cricket Inter-Provincial Tournament champions;
– Blind Cricket South Africa One Day Cup champions;
– Unbeaten Academy and Colts teams throughout the past season;
– Inaugural CSA U19 National Tournament winners: Jeppe High School for Girls;
– CSA National Hub Challenge champions: The South Hub;
– A successful winter Club Cricket T20 competition in the Jozi Cup;
– The retention of our wonderful current sponsors and the attraction of new partners.
Lions Cricket CEO Jono Leaf-Wright believes that the hard-hitting Pride has wholeheartedly and collectively proved their point inside and outside of the boundary ropes.
“At the beginning of the year, I asked our team to “Be Your Best”. Every delivery, every day, our team “Brought their Best” and I am so grateful. To our Board: THANK YOU. I appreciate your guidance, leadership, insight and support – It has been an absolute privilege to serve under you all. On behalf of our people, I thank you for putting our teammates first and know that they are appreciative of the caring way in which we have conducted our business. I know that each of my Pride members will continue to rise early and serve this family the best way they know how, recognising that playing is a privilege and that pride, passion, patriotism, and professionalism are standard in all that we do, always.”
Reflecting on the all-important pipeline, the biggest winter cricket club competition, the Jozi Cup continues to flourish. Now in its second year, the 110-team tournament consists of 450 matches and spans 33 venues throughout Central Gauteng. Inclusive of over 1800 of tomorrow’s superstars, it forms the backbone of the Pride’s powerful pipeline. Add to that the CSA u19 Player of the Year award winners Karabo Meso and Kwena Maphaka, and the unearthing of tomorrow’s talent is another celebration we are proud of.
Jono Leaf-Wright concludes that an admirable work ethic and shared common goal of building the Lions Cricket brand is what has bred such success;
“Right from the first ball bowled this Financial Year, I felt that our Pride bought into their individual contribution and impact potential, ready to purposefully advance in both personal growth as well as the growth of our powerhouse brand that is #ThePrideOfJozi. Collectively, we craved success on field and off it and were cognizant of the constant pressures that come with being one of Joburg’s best loved brands, and the country’s most treasured cricket family.”
As the financial year closes and the new season begins, Lions Cricket extend their heartfelt thanks to all shareholders, sponsors, clubs, schools, universities, officials, Cricket South Africa, families, friends and fans. A rejuvenated, refocused and steadfast Lions Cricket pride is ready to proudly serve – every delivery, every day.
