Big win for community cricket

Lions Cricket recently celebrated the success of its inaugural Diadora Jozi Cup.

The T20 community cricket tournament, launched by the Illovo-based team, saw 84 teams and 1 200 players go head-to-head across 10 divisions from U11 through to the veterans.

The finals weekend took place from June 16 to 19 at the Imperial Wanderers Stadium.

According to tournament director Reuben Mandlazi, the tournament was exceptionally well received as communities came out in their numbers to show their support.

“In our view as Lions Cricket, the Diadora Jozi Cup is a carnival of cricket that will continue to thrive with multiple matches played at one venue, creating hype, camaraderie, exposure and learnings.

“In my opinion, there has been tremendous growth thus far for both coaches and players on the field and outside the boundary ropes, a key objective set from the outset.”

Lions Cricket CEO Jono Leaf-Wright added the Diadora Jozi Cup was aimed at extending the community club cricket season by providing a platform for the clubs to grow their numbers, all while ensuring that more competitive cricket is played and the game itself is driven back into these communities.

“The tournament vision was always to bring our cricket communities together under one umbrella, ensuring that all school teams, academy teams and clubs would be united under one brand.

“It was because of this that we found players from far and wide within our province joining community clubs in order to participate – further enhancing the community spirit amongst such areas.”

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