All eyes will be on the National Hubs Challenge for winners South Hub as they convincingly beat Soweto Hub.
Johannesburg, 22 March 2023 – The Lions Hub Knockout Challenge concluded with the final fixture taking place at the Soweto Elkah Cricket Oval on Saturday 18 March 2023, between South Hub and Soweto Hub. It was South Hub who were crowned the Lions Provincial Hub Champions, post a convincing win.
The thrilling encounter saw the best Under 16 players in the Hub program pitted against one another. Soweto Hub won the toss and putting South Hub into bat allowed them to amass 195 for 9 in 40 overs. Contributors with the bat for South included Goolam Hoosein Ahmed 71 (79) and Hamza Vawda 54 (92). The Soweto bowlers fought hard, lead by Akhubuhle Msimango who returned figures of 7 overs, 3 wickets for 29 runs.
Unfortunately for Soweto Hub, their reply fell short – managing only 92 all out in 29.5 overs. An outstanding bowling spell from Uwais Shaikh and batting allrounder Goolam Hoosein Ahmed secured a convincing victory for the boys from the South Hub. Shaikh returned with figures of 4 wickets for 7 runs in 5 overs and Goolam Hoosein Ahmed 3 wickets for 5 runs in 5 overs.
Lions Cricket Youth and Schools Administrator Bryan Patel, says that the tournament continues to strengthen the proud pipeline of the Union;
“The Hub Programs pipeline is certainly growing as are the players skillsets session upon session – and perhaps more importantly was the true sportsmanship by all involved, on and off the field. On behalf of Lions Cricket, I would like to wish the South Hub boys well in the upcoming National Hub Challenge, I have no doubt that you shall be the Pride of Jozi in all that you do and don the badge with pride, passion and professionalism.”
Lions Cricket Services Manager, Reuben Mandlazi says that the Hub Challenge forms a big part of the Unions Telkom Talent Acceleration Programme;
“The Telkom Talent Acceleration Program is gaining great momentum with a big focus on improved access to ensure inclusivity to enhance greater participation in the sport. Year upon year, there is tremendous excitement for this competition – so rest assured that the winners from the South Hub have the full support of Lions Cricket ahead of the CSA National Hub Championship which is to be hosted in Benoni from 1-5 April 2023. We are excited to support our Pride of Jozi in this competition and are confident that they will fly our Lions flag high and proud.”
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For further information, please contact Lions Cricket media liaison Caroline Malan MalanC@cricket.co.za