Photo Credit: Lions Cricket
Winter’s premier cricket carnival is here – T20 style! Over 20 clubs spanning 12 age group categories and over 110 participating teams from u11 right through to over 40’s. Starting the first weekend in May, the Diadora Jozi Cup is fast becoming everyone’s favourite seven-week period in winter.
Leading the way loudly and proudly, the community based winter cricket club competition will once again include a blind cricket division, making the 2024 edition consist of 1500 players and roughly 450 matches.
The biggest and only Lions Cricket officially endorsed winter cricket tournament in the Province, the Diadora Jozi Cup incorporates the Lions Cricket powerful pipeline system known as the Telkom Talent Acceleration Program, unearthing talent and unleashing promise in order to further develop the game.
All from far and wide will come together to learn, lead and grow from the third edition so says Lions Cricket CEO Jono Leaf-Wright;
“Our much valued Diadora Jozi Cup continues to celebrate the tournament’s founding values of inclusivity, diversity, fairness, equity and equality. Every single player wore the Unity Badge on their 2023 Diadora Jozi Cup sleeve and this proud badge will once again be displayed on all 2024 kits. The badge is symbolic of our stance against all forms of racism and Gender-based Violence, whilst also creating consistent and constant awareness against the scourge that is breast cancer. On behalf of Lions Cricket, I humbly request that you stand with us and unite against the darkness that many face daily. This tournament is for our youth, our community, our tomorrow – and Together Everyone Achieves More. As Lions Cricket, we would like to reiterate that the Diadora Jozi Cup is for players from all races, religions and genders and warmly welcomes everyone to participate in this fantastic fun filled yet competitive tournament: The Pride calls all passionate players to come experience and soak up your love of the game!”
Lions Cricket would like to extend a genuine thank you to the existing Lions Cricket partners including DP World, McDonald’s, Sun International, Shattered Glass, Telkom, Hot102.7FM, Enza Construction, Beyers, Ellies, Masana, ADT, Afripure, Sunfoil, Richfield, Lift Airlines and so many more, all of which have backed this competition once more, helping to grow the communities in which Lions Cricket serves.
The divisions/age groups are as follows:
U11, U13, U14, U16 and U18; Open Division 1 (Premier League A); Open Division 2 (Premier League B); Women’s Open Division; Senior Men’s Open; Veterans and Blind cricket.
Lions Cricket Services Manager and Diadora Jozi Cup Tournament Director, Reuben Mandlazi says that the aim of the tournament continues to be growing the base of community clubs – blending the experienced players with the aspirational youth of today;
“It’s about working together and standing together as you take to the field to enjoy the priviledge of playing. Every single year talent is discovered, and dreams are realised – and that’s what we’re about. Lions Cricket wishes every club, player, coach, umpire, scorer, parent and administrator the best of luck in our valued competition, and we look forward to welcoming you to the finals at the iconic DP World Wanderers Stadium. Play hard, play fair, play passionately.”
The finals will take place over the Youth Day weekend, with the Diadora Jozi Cup prizegiving for each age group set to take place post each match. Entries have officially closed, but should you wish to follow the action, please follow Lions Cricket on the below platforms:
Instagram – @lionscricnews
Facebook – Lions Cricket News
Twitter – @LionsCricNews
Our partner, SuperSchools, will be onboard once again to bring you the action live every Sunday and over the weekend of the finals. Make sure to download the app, don’t miss out on the action!
For more information, please direct your queries to jozicup@cricket.co.za.
