Imperial Lions unveil new 5-year sponsorship
ILLOVO – What were formerly the bizhub Highveld Lions and Bidvest Wanderers Stadium are now known as the Imperial Lions and Imperial Wanderers Stadium, respectively.
The Lions cricket franchise revealed its new team and stadium name changes along with its new sponsor, Imperial Logistics.
What were formerly the bizhub Highveld Lions and Bidvest Wanderers Stadium are now known as the Imperial Lions and Imperial Wanderers Stadium, respectively.
This was revealed to the media at an official ceremony with a cutting of a ribbon that included cricket dignitaries and players.
“The first Test match at the Wanderers was held in 1896 and a six was hit onto the top of a train outside the stadium,” said stadium manager, Cyril Martin, who delved into the history of the iconic ‘Bullring’.
“That ball was found on the train after it travelled two days later and it is the longest recorded six here,” he joked.
The Wanderers received a few renovations over the years but the east stand featured seats that were used since 1956.
Central Gauteng Lions (CGL) CEO, Jono Leaf-Wright looked at the franchise’s notable achievements in recent times, including the Gauteng sports team of the year award and Enoch Nkwe receiving Gauteng’s coach of the year award, both this year.
The Lions and Nkwe are also shortlisted for the best team and coach awards at the South African Sports Awards.
Evan Flint also was awarded Cricket South Africa’s top groundsman of the year for the third year running.
“CGL is the largest and coolest franchise in South Africa,” Leaf-Wright said.
“We are leading development with over 200 schools. We have 15 clubs playing in 18 leagues with 500 fixtures per weekend.”
CGL’s marketing and communications manager, Wanele Mngomezulu then spoke about the objectives for the Lions this season, which include hosting 120 000 fans over the five matches and three tournaments at the Wanderers.
Group chief executive for Imperial Logistics, Mohammed Akoojee added that his company believes in supporting local talent and partnering with the Lions for ‘the next five years and beyond’.
Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/237494/bizhub-highveld-lions-scoops-team-of-the-year-award/
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/165771/matrix-joins-the-charge-with-sponsorship-of-the-bizhub-highveld-lions-for-another-season/
