Photo Credit: Lions Cricket
The Lions Cricket Awards saw laughter, learnings, love and leadership celebrated in style
The Lions Cricket Awards evening was one of acknowledgement of the top tier wins of the CSA Women’s Provincial T20 Cup; the Mens CSA One Day Cup; the Deaf Cricket Inter-Provincial Tournament and the Blind Cricket South Africa One Day Cup. Lions Cricket also took home the trophies at the National T20 schools tournament and National Hubs Challenge. Over and above the wins however, it was a celebration of the powerful pipeline and club community cricket – tomorrow’s heroes and heroines, chomping at the bit to break into the Pride any innings now.
Our DP World Ladies and DP World Mens teams, our Blind Cricket team, Deaf Cricket team as well as our Hubs have all added to our ever-swelling trophy cabinets. Our invaluable partners have maintained their backing of Lions Cricket, and the people of our cricketing eco-system have stepped up every day, in every way. Add to that another special Pink Day ODI at the DP World Wanderers where over R1 million was raised to fight breast cancer and create awareness; over 200 000 tickets were issued throughout the 2022/2023 season at our iconic DP World Wanderers; 7 x SA20 games including the semi-final and final; an International Test Match, ODI and T20; multiple club and school matches; the Black Widow Premier League Finals; the Macrocomm Saturday Knockout Final and the ever-growing Diadora Jozi Cup.
Then there is the on-going DP World Wanderers Stadium redesign strategy with yoga; BRM retail; Wanderers Sports Medical Centre with doctors, physiotherapists, optometrists, dentists and so much more. The tenants enjoy the fruits of the first 5G stadium on the African continent. Another noteworthy win was The Hungry Heart Nutrition Programme which saw in excess of 2800 club cricketers being nourished this season.
On the business side of the boundary, Lions Cricket celebrated their move up to a Level 2 BEE Contributor. From a people point of view, one can’t look past the invaluable Sherina Desai who tonight received the Presidential Award from Lions Cricket President Anne Vilas. Affectionately known as “Aunty She”, the Pride has enjoyed the service of this dedicated, caring, knowledgeable teammate for 21 years – and counting.
Lions Cricket President Anne Vilas said that the night was about honoring big and small, from top to bottom;
“We’re thrilled with our 7 Protea men and 4 Protea women players as well as the 6 Protea u19 players recently selected to play against Bangladesh . We’re proud of our hubs, clubs, schools, universities, and communities – from players, administrators, fans and partners, we have maintained solid sportsmanship, played the game the best way we know how and can hold our heads high. We also bid a fond farewell to our former Head Coach Wandile Gwavu as he moves on to National duty. A big thank you to our staff who go above and beyond, making sure that everything we have done this season has been done “The Lions Way” – with a professionalism and passion that we are exceptionally proud of.”
It is with a heavy heart that Lions Cricket bid farewell this season to stalwarts of the game Joseph Leon Pamensky (8 March 2023) and Ronald Vergie (21 February 2023). May their souls rest in peace.
Head of Cricket Services at Lions Cricket, Reuben Mandlazi commends not only the evenings winners, but those who have served the game beyond the call of duty;
“Our off-field wins are a direct result of consistency, communication and teamwork. Late nights, early mornings, most weekends: The people of our Pride have hosted world class tournaments; produced quality players and people; and created an environment in which we not only thrive, but we live, learn and lead as driven by our CEO Jono Leaf-Wright.”
So much more than just a game, Lions Cricket is proud of their past, thankful for the present, and passionate for a full future in which in the game continues to remain the epi-centre of #ThePrideOfJozi.
Jono Leaf-Wright concludes that the Union will continue to strive to be the dominant force in domestic cricket and beyond;
“This Pride packs a powerful punch. We look forward to positively impacting lives in all that we do, producing great players on the field, and even better people off it. The season ahead is going to be another exciting one where the Lion roars loudly and proudly.”
AWARD WINNERS:
Lions Club Cricket Prize Winners:
Enza Premier League – Batter of the Season – Muhammed Manack
Lions Premier League – Batter of the Season – Rashaad Fuller
DP World Women’s League – Batter of the Season – Bianca Booyjens
Enza Premier League – Bowler of the Season – Marco Biljon
Lions Premier League – Bowler of the Season – Ussad Ullah
DP World Women’s League – Bowler of the Season – Samantha Swanepoel
Enza Premier League – Player of the Season – Muhammed Manack
Lions Premier League – Player of the Season – Doug Gird
Black Widow T20 League – Player of the Season Section A (men) – Kwena Maphaka
Black Widow T20 League – Player of the Season Section B (men) – Nicholas Whitelaw
Black Widow T20 League – Player of the Season (women) -Bianca Booyjens
Telkom Club of the Season – Delfos Cricket Club
Sunbet Fair Play Award – Jeppe Cricket Club
Lions Match Officials Prize Winners:
Beyers Umpire’s Award: Zuber Saleh
Beyers Scorer’s Award: Natasha Nyoni
Lions Club Cricket League Winners:
Enza Premier League Overall Winner: Delfos Cricket Club
Lions Premier League Overall Winner: Pirates Cricket Club
Enza Premier League Section A (Time): 1st – KHOSA Cricket Club
Enza Premier League Section B (Time): 1st – GM Old Edwardians Cricket Club
Lions Premier League Section A (Time): 1st – Pirates Cricket Club
Lions Premier League Section B (Time): 1st – Jeppe Cricket Club
Enza Premier League (50 overs): 1st – Wits University Cricket Club
Lions Premier League (50 overs): 1st – Pirates Cricket Club
Black Widow T20 Competition – Premier A (men) – 1st – Delfos Cricket Club
Black Widow T20 Competition – Premier B (men) – 1st – University of Johannesburg Cricket Club
Black Widow T20 Competition (women) – 1st – Wanderers Cricket Club
DP World Premier League (Women) – 1st – Wanderers Cricket Club
Lions Women’s Presidents League – 1st – Dobsonville Cricket Club
Presidents League – Section A Overall Winner – 1st – KHOSA Cricket Club
Presidents League – Section B Overall Winner – 1st – Randfontein Cricket Club
Presidents League – Section A (Time) – 1st – GM Old Edwardians Cricket Club
Presidents League – Section B (Time) – 1st – Randfontein Cricket Club
Presidents League – Section A (50 overs) – 1st – KHOSA Cricket Club
Presidents League – Section B (50 Overs) – 1st – Randfontein Cricket Club
Sunday One – 1st – Azad Swaraj Cricket Club
Sunday Two – 1st – Jeppe Cricket Club
Sunday Three – 1st – Azaadville Cricket Club
Sunday Four – 1st – Jubileum Cricket Club
Sunday Five – 1st – Azad Swaraj Cricket Club
Sunday Six – 1st – Big Bom Lenasia Cricket Club
Sunday Seven – 1st – GM Old Edwardians Cricket Club
Lions Club Cricket Saturday Competition:
Macrocomm Lions T20 Knockout – 1st – University of Johannesburg Cricket Club
Saturday One – 1st – GM Old Edwardians Cricket Club
Saturday Two – 1st – University of Johannesburg Cricket Club
Saturday Three – 1st – Puntans Hill Sports Club
Saturday Four – 1st – Sandton Tigers Cricket Club
Saturday Five – 1st – Old Parktonians Cricket Club
Saturday Six – 1st – Old Lions Cricket Club
Lions Youth Cricket Awards:
Under 16 Boys Player of the Season – No Award as the CSA tournament was rained out
Under 16 Girls Player of the Season – Sinako Mahlombe
Under 18 Boys Player of the Season – Christopher King
Under 18 Girls Player of the Season – Kaylee van Rooyen
McDonald’s School of the Season – Jeppe High School for Girls
Mini Cricket Coach of the Year – Ayanda Mahleka
Lions Colts / Academy Prize Winners:
Batter of the Season – Muhammad Manack
Bowler of the Season – Marco van Biljon
Telkom Lions Player of the Season – Muhammad Manack
Lions Blind Cricket Prize Winners:
Batter of the Season – Isaac Bidla
Bowler of the Season -Doctor Malinga (B1)
Most Improved Player of the Season – Siyavuya Mahlikihla
Fidelity Player of the Season – Buhle Bhidla
Lions Deaf Cricket Prize Winners:
Batter of the Season – Sivesh Poonsamy-Muthoo
Bowler of the Season – Colin Venter
Fielder of the Season – Clifford Letsoalo
Ellies Player of the Season – Sivesh Poonsamy-Muthoo
DP World Lions (Women):
CSA 50 Over Competition
– Batter of the Season – Kirstie Thomson
– Bowler of the Season – Lehlohonolo Sardick
– Fielder of the Season – Palesa Mapoo
CSA T20 Competition
– Batter of the Season – Kirstie Thomson
– Bowler of the Season – Yolani Fourie
– Fielder of the Season – Sarah Nettleton
Afripure New Comer of the Season – Sunette Viljoen-Louw
Afripure Most Improved Player of the Season – Samantha Schutte
Planet Fitness Fitness Award – Raisibe Ntozakhe
McDonalds Player’s Player of the Season – Yolani Fourie
DP World Lions Player of the Season – Yolani Fourie
McDonalds Fan’s Player of the Season – Lehlohonolo Sardick
DP World Lions (Men)
CSA 4-Day Series
– Batter of the Season – Ryan Rickelton
– Bowler of the Season – Bjorn Fortuin
– Fielder of the Season – Ryan Rickelton
CSA 1-Day Cup
– Batter of the Season – Ryan Rickelton
– Bowler of the Season – Sisanda Magala
– Fielder of the Season – Joshua Richards
CSA T20 Challenge
– Batter of the Season – Wiaan Mulder
– Bowler of the Season – Lutho Sipamla
– Fielder of the Season – Mitchell van Buuren
BAS New Comer of the Season – Evan Jones
Masana Most Improved Player of the Season – Connor Esterhuizen
Planet Fitness Fitness Award – Mitchell van Buuren
McDonalds Player’s Player of the Season – Ryan Rickelton
DP World Player of the Season – Ryan Rickelton
McDonalds Fan’s Player of the Season – Mitchell van Buuren
Milestone Awards
50 T20 Internationals: Reeza Hendricks; Kagiso Rabada
Special Recognition Award – “Call Beyond Duty”:
Hungry Heart Award – Riverlea Cricket Club
Hungry Heart Program Award – Riverlea Cricket Club
Beyond The Boundary Award – Puntans Hill Sports Club
Lions Presidential Awards
Winner – Sherina Desai
National Representatives (1 May 2022 to 30 April 2023):
DP World Lions Mens: Temba Bavuma; Wiaan Mulder; Bjorn Fortuin; Sisanda Magala; Rassie van der Dussen; Mitchell van Buuren; Ryan Rickelton; Joshua Richards; Wandile Gwavu; Reeza Hendricks; Duanne Olivier; Kagiso Rabada; Evan Jones; Lutho Sipamla.
DP World Lions Ladies: Jenna Evans; Ayabonga Khaka; Karabo Meso; Refilwe Moncho; Khanyisile Nkosi; Raisibe Ntozakhe; Kaylee van Rooyen; Diara Ramlakan; Tumi Sekhukhune; Oluhle Siyo; Thristan Cronje, Robyn Kamerman.
Lions Blind Cricket: Buhle Bhidla (B2); Buhle Bhidla (B2); Lwande Bhidla (B3); Isaac Bidla (B2); Siyavuya Mahlikihla (B3); Doctor Malinga (B1); Johan Schroeder (B1); Victor Ntsinde (B1); Cyril Mdhlalose (B1); Michael da Silva, Lethabo Bidli.
Lions Deaf Cricket: Colin Venter; Sivesh Poonsamy-Muthoo, Shani de Jager Gareth Harries, Rivaj Ramjugernath, Shannon van der Berg.
SA Under 19: Liam Alder, Thebe Gazide, Ronan Herrmann, Kwena Maphaka, Richard Seletswane; David Teeger; Christopher King.
SA Under 19 Women’s Physio: Sheenagh Jordaan.
National Contracted Players:
Temba Bavuma; Bjorn Fortuin; Reeza Hendricks; Ayabonga Khaka; Sisanda Magala;
Kagiso Rabada; Ryan Rickelton; Tumi Sekhukhune; Rassie van der Dussen, Sinalo Jafta, Chloé Tryon.
Name of Author: Lions Cricket
Lions Cricket aims to foster a deep passion for cricket by advancing the sport through high-quality teams, nurturing club and school cricket, and providing a premier stadium experience. The organization also seeks to use cricket to drive inclusive and sustainable economic, social, and environmental change.
