Lions Cricket CEO knocks it out of the park leading DP World Wanderers’ pride

Based at the iconic and world-leading DP World Wanderers Stadium, in Illovo, is the Central Gauteng Lions (Lions Cricket) union which is more than a cricket union to many.

It is also recognised as the custodian of all cricket activities in the greater Sedibeng, West Rand, Vaal, and Johannesburg areas. At the heart of it, all is the CEO Jono Leaf-Wright, whose history with the sport, and leading people, is unrivalled.

Whether it is schools, universities, or club cricket for women, blind, deaf, development, men, juniors, seniors, or veterans; or programs for umpires, coaches, or employees; Lions Cricket delivers every ball bowled to the best of its ability.

Bringing this vision to life is Leaf-Wright, a man who spent his years immersed in all that cricket has to offer. He began his life in Durban before moving to Johannesburg with his mom Joyce, and dad Tim, before completing Matric.

Shortly after, Leaf-Wright completed a BCom in Sports Management and began to coach sports at different schools. He spent most of his coaching years at Montrose Primary School.

While coaching at schools, Leaf-Wright passed his Cricket South Africa Level Three Coaching Qualification and assisted the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier Leagues and Champions Leagues. Following the success, he was appointed manager of Jozi Stars in the first Mzansi Super League in 2018, which the Jozi Stars won.

He also worked as the Cricket South Africa National U19 Talent Scout for 11 years, and the Lions U19 Coach for the same number of years.

Due to all these experiences, the 42-year-old CEO defines himself as a standout leader and allows him to build the powerful pride that is Lions Cricket.

“My innovative and entrepreneurial edge has equipped my current title with the tools required to connect with people and build great players on and off the field.”

Last year, Lions Cricket won the Sports Organisation of the Year at the Hollard Sports Industry Awards, which is an amazing achievement.

“We achieved it thanks to our team on the field and off it, all who go above and beyond, day and night; serving the Lions Cricket pride with passion and professionalism.”

The CEO expressed his pride on the playing front, with a trophy cabinet filled to the brim, and that the powerful pipeline, including the all-important Telkom Talent Acceleration Program, is pivotal to such success.

“The professional teams won 9 trophies in the last five years and made Lions Cricket a successful domestic cricket union in the country in the past five years. With Women’s Cricket having turned professional last year, the side has stepped up and is most certainly a force to be reckoned with.”

The Lions Cricket amateur teams (school, club, deaf, blind, etc) also won numerous trophies.

In the coming months, the DP World Wanderers Stadium looks forward to hosting cricket and non-cricket events: Mandela Day on July 18: where the Lions Cricket Pride will be all hands on deck with its partners, Ashraful Aid and The Angel Network, packing non-perishable foods which will be distributed to the less fortunate, and the Mandela Day walk and run on July 20: which is dedicated to promoting community service and inspiring positive change within our communities. The domestic cricket season kicks off with the DP World Lions vs Titans on Friday, September 27 at 18:00.

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