The DP World Lions 2026/27 season is officially underway after launching on September 1 under the floodlights at The DP World Wanderers Stadium.

With the MCing ability of presenter and broadcaster Vusiwe Ngcobo, speakers were welcomed to the stage before the back-to-back Sports Organisation of the Year launched the union’s ambitious marketing campaign titled: The gold standard, which speaks to its declaration that Lions Cricket will continue to set the benchmark against which others measure themselves.

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President of the Central Gauteng Lions board Ashraf Stemmet made the first remarks of the evening. “Just as gold underpins the intrinsic value of currency, so too does the gold standard represent the people who underpin the value and identity of the DP World Lions, which includes coaches, administrators, and players,” Stemmet said.

“As the Lions, we will continue to raise the bar, striving for excellence both on and off the field.”

Stemmet added that the goal was clear: To uphold the gold standard and ensure that, when the season reaches its conclusion, the Lions can proudly celebrate silverware.

“This season is about setting the benchmark, raising expectations, and creating a legacy worthy of the Lions name,” Stemmet said. “The gold standard. One pride. One roar.”

While not every ambition may translate into silverware, the consistent ability of Lions teams to compete at the highest level remains one of the union’s greatest strengths. In addition, the pride’s ability to retain its elite talent is equally significant, with 11 nationally contracted players choosing to remain with the DP World Lions for the 2026/27 season.

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Lions Cricket CEO Jono Leaf-Wright noted that it is about striving for excellence in all the players do this season. “I look forward to witnessing our collective power that will push this pride to the podium, through the power of impact, influence and inspiration,” Leaf-Wright said.

“Lions Cricket is 100% committed to our clubs, schools and the communities we serve, and together, let us aim to move into the 2026/27 season with courage, passion and relentless belief, striving to be the best version of ourselves in every moment, every interaction and every delivery.”

As the union looks ahead to the 2026/27 season, its ambitions remain high: To compete for honours, develop the next generation of talent, grow the game, strengthen its commercial sustainability and ensure that every member of the Lions family contributes genuine and meaningful impact.

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