CGL CEO, Jono Leaf-Wright talks all things Lions and the restructure process

Imperial Wanderers Stadium has been the home of cricket in Gauteng for many years Jono Leaf-Wright, CEO of the Central Gauteng Lions, is making it more than that. Moving forward with innovation, Leaf-Wright ensured that cricket was on everyone’s mind, especially during the pandemic. Having been appointed the CEO late in 2019, Leaf-Wright said his mindset had to quickly change when the world went into lockdown.

“Initially I wasn’t going to apply, but there were so many people there telling me I should. Just before the closing date, I threw my name in the hat. I went through quite a gruelling interview process and well the rest is history. Sadly five and a half months later, Covid-19 hit and we had to shift our mindset from growth to survival mode,” he said.

On the business side of things, he added that they spent that period mitigating the risk and found solutions to keep the game alive. “Fortunately, we experienced the hard lockdown on the backend of our season which allowed for some breathing room to find our feet and put everything in place.” Leaf-Wright added that the season had been a successful one and was excited for the restructuring and positive changes to come.

“Everything is still good to go… the Lions team has just won the Momentum One Day Cup and the CSA T20. I’m really happy with this great season we’re having.” Excited about the restructuring changes, Leaf-Wright added that they had a great relationship with their former shareholders North West Cricket.

“We will continue to play as the Lions, we won’t play as Central Gauteng Lions just the Lions. We want to create that brand equity across our entire system. CGL will be part of the business of cricket, we are excited to now be the masters of our own destiny and 100 per cent in control of what we do and how we do it.” Still learning along the way, he mentioned some pros and cons to being a young businessman.

“I will definitely bump my head a few more times than those with experience but at the same time, I can be more innovative, experimental and think out the box. Being youthful, I guess, still allows you to attract various stakeholders because of all the energy and enthusiasm.”

Adding that things were not business as usual but rather business unusual, Leaf-Wright intends on keeping the brand of cricket alive in the hearts and minds of all. “Everyone has come closer together because of a common vision. Developing talent and building up the youth though the game. We can only move forward in a positive direction and as people trust cricket more, more people will want to be part of the great game and create hope in SA again. People need to constantly dream big.”