Lions Cricket celebrated more than just silverware at its annual awards event held at the DP World Wanderers Stadium on June 20.

With the venue transformed under The Greatest Showman theme, the event brought together players, schools, clubs, sponsors, and administrators to reflect on a season that stretched from grassroots participation to national success.

Speaking at the event, Lions Cricket president Dr Earl Glennister said the organisation’s strength lies in the structures being built at the professional level.

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“Our clubs, schools, and universities are undoubtedly the backbone of cricket in this province.”

He pointed to youth achievements as evidence that the development model is working. All four Lions youth representative teams reached provincial finals, while the U16 and U19 boys went on to win national competitions.

For Glennister, those results represent something bigger than trophies. “It means a pathway to Lions right on top.”

CEO Jono Leaf-Wright expanded on that message, sharing the scale of participation achieved during the season. He added that the recently completed Jozi Cup featured 2 248 players competing in 578 matches and producing more than 150 000 runs.

Leaf-Wright said the event reflected the strength of the broader cricket community. “None of this would be possible without everybody contributing to the success of Lions Cricket,” he said.

Professional performance also featured prominently in the celebrations. Lions teams claimed four of the five available professional cricket trophies during the season, while multiple provincial sides delivered strong national performances. But Leaf-Wright stressed that success cannot only be measured in results.

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“Our organisation’s impact does not happen only inside the boundary ropes,” he said. He highlighted community initiatives, including educational programmes, outreach work, and the launch of the country’s first provincial blind women’s cricket team.

Leaf-Wright also referenced national success stories linked to the union, including representation at the international level and continued investment in future talent.

Looking ahead, he set his sights on the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2027 and the continued growth of the game in Gauteng.

“We are one family, and if we are going to continue dominating cricket, we need to continue rolling together to influence, inspire, and impact lives.”\

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