By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
DP World Lions launched the start of its 2025/26 season at the DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Thursday, 18 September 2025.
Pride, Fans and Sponsors were in attendance admiring sky-divers, dancers, and a fashion show which showcased the pride’s new kit.
Lions Cricket CEO Jono Leaf-Wright says that the Pride has enjoyed being the country’s most successful Union and that it’s the energy for excellence that powers them forward.
“We are financially fit, mentally fit and physically fit from the bottom through to the top; boardroom to boundary. We never settle. The people of our Pride find purpose in playing; love to positively impact the lives of others; and genuinely believe in the power of sport to do good.”
In recognition, and celebration, of the union’s history of excellence, the #LegacyOfChampions campaign was launched.
The hashtag emphasizes the team’s ambition for the new season, aiming to build on the success of previous years and win more domestic trophies.
To constantly stay in contact, cricket fans will be thrilled to learn that there is a Lions Cricket App, powered by Telkom.
Lions Cricket App powered by Telkom – an innovative platform that has been designed to bring the Lions fans closer to the game, offering real-time updates, exclusive content, and an interactive experience that celebrates the spirit of Lions Cricket.
Leaf-Wright said, “Together with Telkom, we are taking an important step in enhancing digital engagement, ensuring that our supporters can connect with our players anytime, anywhere. This marks a new chapter in how we engage with our community, combining the passion of cricket with the power of technology.”
The DP World Lions women will start their season with the Pro50 Series on October 4, versus the Dolphins at the DP World Wanderers Stadium, while the DP World Lions men will kick off the season with the 4-day domestic series, followed by the T20 Challenge from the end of October.
Meanwhile the Lions have appointed Jonty Rhodes as their fielding consultant.
The legendary fielder, who represented South Africa in 52 Tests and 245 ODIs from 1992 to 2003, joins a Lions coaching group that includes former Proteas Allan Donald (bowling coach) and Hashim Amla (batting coach) working under ex-Proteas head coach Russell Domingo.
Rhodes has coaching experience in both the IPL (Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants) and SA20 (Durban’s Super Giants) as well as at international level (Sri Lanka, Kenya and Sweden).