Leading loud and proud from the front in true Lions style, #ThePrideOfJozi celebrated the finals of the third edition of the Diadora Jozi Cup this weekend.
Starting from u11, flowing through to veterans, the seven-week T20 competition kicked off in early May and once again was a breathtaking display of blending experienced players with aspirational youth. We’ve seen over 85 000 runs conceded and 4 100 wickets taken during 450 matches. Cricket was played with solid sportsmanship, freedom of expression and genuine appreciation, all while the players kept a steely eye on the hunt for their coveted 2024 divisional trophy.
The biggest and only Lions Cricket officially endorsed winter cricket tournament in the Province, the Diadora Jozi Cup incorporates Lions Cricket’s powerful pipeline system known as the Telkom Talent Acceleration Program, unearthing talent and unleashing promise in order to further develop the game. When an U13 has the highest individual score of 196 throughout all divisions and an U18 takes 9 wickets, conceding 1 run in a match: That is proof of a pipeline packed with promise.
Tournament Director Reuben Mandlazi says that the quality of cricket coupled with intense concentration and high pressure is what’s made this tournament the best yet;
“Designed with our clubs in mind, this tournament has served our purposes well: The true sense of community coupled with intense competition - from players to families to administrators; we have experienced it all these last seven weeks.
The finals were anyone’s for the taking, with each team working exceptionally hard to have earned their spot. These finals speak to the strength of our club system: FVA Sandton Tigers won the U11 division in 2023 to come back in 2024 and claim the U13 title.
The Jeppe U13 team lost their final in 2023 but came back in 2024 as the U14 team to take the victory. Khosa U18 took to the field for their second Diadora Jozi Cup Final match in two seasons. Randburg has had 4 teams taking to the field over the course of the finals. Renegades, with 3 teams in the finals, reign supreme by winning all 3 of their divisions.
The Jeppe Veterans and Johannesburg Society for the Blind teams keep their titles for their respective divisions for the second year in a row. GM Old Edwardian’s fielded teams in the back to back Senior Open and Men’s Open division finals, winning both.”
Mandlazi goes on to say that the tournament’s founding values of inclusivity, diversity, fairness, equity and equality once again shone through, with every club, player, coach, umpire, scorer, parent and administrator serving the Pride proudly and giving the game the privilege and honour it deserves;
“To all those who made the finals: A warm well done to you! And to those that missed out: Our 2025 will be here before you know it, so use the time wisely and come back fitter, faster and ready to fight once more. To all those who made this tournament possible: Lions Cricket thanks you from the bottom of our heart.
"Our pipeline is stronger than it has ever been, making our future a promising one both on and off the field, and for that we are truly grateful to all those working tirelessly towards The Lions Way. To our headline sponsor Diadora, thank you for once again bringing the Diadora Jozi Cup to light and colour. We are eternally grateful for your support.”
Lions Cricket would like to extend a genuine thank you to the existing Lions Cricket partners including DP World, Shrey, Mnandi, McDonald’s, Sun International, Shattered Glass, Beyers, Blaster, Richfield, Promac, Telkom, Enza Construction, Ellies, Masana, ADT, Afripure, Sunfoil, Lift Airlines and so many more, all of which have backed this competition once more, helping to grow the communities in which Lions Cricket serves.
2024 DIADORA JOZI CUP WINNERS:
U11 Winners: Randburg Blue, Randburg Cricket Club
U13 Winners: FVA Sandton Tigers Cricket Club
U14 Winners: Jeppe Cricket Club
Women’s Open Winners: Renegades Cricket Club
U16 Winners: Renegades Cricket Club
U18 Winners: Renegades Cricket Club
Senior Open Winners: GM Old Edwardian's Cricket Club
Men’s Open Winners: GM Old Edwardian's Cricket Club
Blind Cricket Winners: Johannesburg Society for the Blind Cricket Club
Veterans Winners: Jeppe Cricket Club