The fourth edition of the country’s biggest T20 winter club cricket competition, The Jozi Cup, drew to a close on Sunday evening. In excess of 130 teams competedthroughout the seven-week tournament, and whether you were in Under 11’s, in the Over 40’s or featured somewhere in between; there was something for everyone – on field and off, from first ball to final over.
Perhaps the greatest privilege of participating in this tournament, is the opportunity to perform on the world stage of the iconic DP World Wanderers Stadium.With the Finals running from the 14 – 22 June;players, coaches and managers enjoyed the full use of the world class facilities including change rooms, fields, nets and the Media Centre.
Exposing your players to the absolute best results in exponential growth and certainly gives you the edge, so says Jozi Cup Tournament Director Reuben Mandlazi;
“This tournament is honestly like no other. Clubs rally their troops and bring their A-Game throughout, knowing full well that the scouts are out hunting and the Telkom Talent Acceleration Programme is in full swing. The passion, determination and commitment, result in a fantastic few weeks for all who fall within the Lions Cricket Pride.”
The fourth edition of the Jozi Cup included a new section for the U13 girls. The league boasted five teams and played 8 round robin matches for each team. The game time for each girl was substantial and the tournament has played it’s part in creating opportunities for the girls’ pipeline to grow, so says Lions Women Cricket leader Shaun Pretorius;
“We are immensely proud of our product and hope to grow more and more as the years go by.Witnessing the talent already present at the U13 girls level is so rewarding. The teams were selected by way of the individual statistics. We also included coaches – that’s important to note because they are the driving force behind each players success. Both ‘All Star’ games played on Sunday 22 June surpassed our expectations where more than 440 runs were scored in both innings –what a great showcase for women’s cricket – could you ask for anything more?”
Lions Cricket CEO Jono Leaf-Wright says that this tournament is by the community, for the community;
“Every year, the clubs and the communities step up and deliver outstanding cricket and unwavering commitment. It’s our honour to host the Jozi Cup and on behalf of our Pride, I thank all those who made this tournament our most successful yet.”
Lessons were learnt too, elaborates Mandlazi;
“As our CEO says: “We don’t lose at Lions Cricket, we either win or we learn” – which can be applied again this time around. We learnt that we need to plough more effort and energy into our match officials, so that they are adequately equipped to dealing with the complexities of the playing conditions. The standard of play was superb, but we may look into a grading system going forward. Upon reflection however and certainly with all the positive feedback we have received, we are extremely proud of a well-run and enjoyable tournament and thank all those who made it possible!”
Lions Cricket would like to extend a genuine thank you to the partners including DP World, Telkom, McDonald’s, Shattered Glass,Diadora, Shrey, Great Africa Group, Hirsch’s, NAS Sports, OlaBlaster,Sedgars, Mnandi Signs,Joburg Tourism, Sun International,Mahindra, 947, Enza Construction, ACDC Express, Masana Energy Solutions, Fidelity Services Group, ADT, Sunfoil, Alliance, Richfield, Promac Paints, Macrocomm, Lift Airlines,Konica Minolta Gauteng, MRB Secure, SANIand so many more, all of which have backed this competition once more, helping to grow the communities in which Lions Cricket serves.
For more information, please direct your queries to jozicup@cricket.co.za.
#ThePrideofJozi #LionsCricket #JoziCup2025
Jozi Cup 2025 Winners are as follows:
Division : Blind Cricket
Winner MVP of the tournament Batter Bowler
JSBC Buhle Bhidla (Busk Bucks) Buhle Bhidla (Busk Bucks) Sabelo Zaza (JSBC)
Division: Veterans
Winner MVP of the tournament Batter Bowler
Wanderers Andre Johnson (Wanderers) Andre Johnson (Wanderers) MohammedTeladia (Jeppe Masters)
Division: Women’s Open
Winner MVP of the tournament Batter Bowler
Diadora XI Fay Cowling (Jeppe) Fay Cowling (Jeppe) Fay Cowling (Jeppe)
Division: Men’s Open
Winner MVP of the tournament Batter Bowler
NAS Marks Park Royals Chris Pistorius (Wanderers) Chris Pistorius (Wanderers) DanielPoulton (Wanderers)
Division: U11
Winner MVP of the tournament
Khosa Cricket Club Ospreys Brandt van Heerden (Concord Crane Old Lions Red)
Batter: PieterKallis (Randburg Blue) Bowler: Jimmy Reynold Jr (Randfontein)
Division: U13 boys:
Winner MVP of the tournament Batter Bowler
Western Warriors Titans Kyle Swart (Randburg Blue) Kyle Swart (Randburg Blue) Zandre Botha (Western Warriors Titans)
Division: U13 Girls
Winner MVP of the tournament Batter
Radiant Rebels Ashley Sibanda (Radiant Rebels) Ashley Sibanda (Radiant Rebels) Bowler: Leanay Jansen (Fearless Falcons)
Division: Senior Men’s Open
Winner MVP of the tournament Batter Bowler
Diadora XI HJ Warrington (Die Ratels) HJ Warrington (Die Ratels) Akash Chatterjee (GM Old Edwardians)
Division: U18
Winner MVP of the tournament Batter
Renegades Cricket Club Blue Anrich Liebenberg (Renegades Blue) Logan Weetnam (Renegades Blue)
Bowler: Connor Kuijers (GM Old Edwardians)
Division: U14:
Winner MVP of the tournament Batter
Concord Cranes Old Lions John van der Walt (Wanderers) John van der Walt (Wanderers)
Bowler: Sahil Sewpersadh (Concord Cranes Old Lions)
Division: U16:
Winner MVP of the tournament Batter
Randburg Cricket Club Hurricanes Lincoln Casais (Jeppe) Juan Lombard (Western Warriors)
Bowler: Muhammed Bux (Western Warriors)
SUPPLIED.
