Lions and bizhub celebrate 10 years in domestic cricket

BIZHUB Highveld Lions and Konica Minolta have had a fine path walking together for a period of ten years. This is the longest sponsorship in domestic cricket.

bizhub boasts a strong cricketing relationship through one of its group of companies, Konica Minolta South Africa, who sponsors bizhub Highveld Lions. The South-based company is celebrating their sponsorship in its 10th year in the 2014/2015 cricket season at domestic level.

The partnership was initiated in the 2004/2005 season, only two years after the Johannesburg team was formed as a franchise. The logo was also displayed when the team played for the first time in the 2012 League T20- CLT20 in India.

“In an era where value-added sponsorships are paving the way forward for sports teams, this is an incredible accomplishment for us as a franchise. Konica Minolta is the national leader in the provision of office equipment and this sets an incredible standard for us as a franchise,” said Greg Fredericks, Chief Executive Officer of the bizhub Highveld Lions.

“Not only has Konica Minolta played an integral part in enabling the franchise to gradually grow, but being associated with a world-class and well-run organisation has changed the way we run the franchise as a business. They are also part of the Bidvest group, who plays an integral role in the Gauteng Cricket Board commercial brand plan, and we are proud to be associated with industry giants.”

Alan Griffith, Managing Director of Konica Minolta South Africa, said: “Ten years has absolutely flown by. An eventful ten years, it must be said, as we have been together through the lowest of lows to the ultimate of highs. Winning is what it will always be about, and we have enjoyed great success with the bizhub Highveld Lions, especially from a brand building perspective.”

“We have had the privilege of dealing with some of the most passionate people at Gauteng Cricket and the bizhub Highveld Lions during this time, and we look forward to even greater success in the future. We have put our winning brand on what we believe to be a winning team. So let’s make it happen time and time again, for the next ten years,” Griffiths said.

Neil McKenzie said: ”As players we have always been aware of the standards our sponsor has, and this makes for a good benchmark when stepping across the boundary rope. Without the backing of sponsors, we cannot call what we do a professional sport, and it is ultimately an irreplaceable part of commercialising the game. Konica Minolta has continued to believe not only in the value of sport and the place it has in the hearts of South Africans, but also how it can uplift society when other uncontrollable challenges are part of everyday life. There is something to be said for an organisation that believes in investing into that.”

The team has played 264 matches and produced 16 Proteas players. The current bizhub Highveld Lions leadership in Stephen Cook (Sunfoil four-day series and Momentum One-Day Cup Captain) and Neil McKenzie (RAM SLAM T20 Captain) have been part of the bizhub Highveld Lions team since inception of the sponsorship.