YES, we are the T20 champions! It still sounds absolutely unreal! As a collective amongst the management and players, we always believed we could… and now we have. Sometimes I have to pinch myself.

Hard work has paid off and as our CEO Jono always tells our Pride: Champions do not become champions on the day but through the years and hours spent to perfect their skill and on the day it is a mere reflection of that skill.

Wow!!! Yes, team we did it, and I am so very proud of every player and all coaching staff for the massive contribution. Sitting in my office, starring at the silverware, makes me realise that it wasn’t just a dream. I am proud of our Lions ladies for the tremendous fighting spirit they have shown throughout this whole season. This team was facing a potential relegation in the 50 over format but the brand of cricket that this team then played in the last month was phenomenal to watch.

Sometimes we cried – but we did so together. But most of the time, we stood up, stood together and stood tall – bouncing back on Sunday a clear indication of this teams character and determination. As coaching staff we now see that the team buildings, strategy sessions, debriefs and numerous planning sessions paid off.

None of this would’ve been possible without our support staff, friends and families.

We also need to thank our main sponsor DP World for walking the walk with us. One can see from their actions, their unwavering support of women in sport that it all contributed the success of this special Pride. An extended thank you to all our much-valued sponsors: McDonalds; AfriPure; Ellies; Beyers; Lift; Sunbet; Telkom; BAS; Sedgars Sport; Macrocomm; Black Widow; Masana Energy; ADT Fidelity; Sunbet; ENZA Construction and Hirschs.  

To our coaching staff: Your tireless efforts are appreciated more than you know:

Tholang Hlalele – Batting lead

AJ Rudman – Bowling lead

Jusitn Kemmineth – Fielding lead

Inge Konig – Strength and Conditioning

Sheenagh Jordaan – Physio

Dr Naidoo – Team Doctor

To our T20 captain Yolani Fourie. As your Lions Cricket career draws to a close, may you celebrate this win every way you know how – and enjoy your retirement with this victory under your belt.  Lions will definitely miss the legendary Fourie and we wish you. All of the best in your coaching career. We will miss your passion, energy and love for the game but most of all your honesty in our team talks. We salute you Yolani!!!

Thanks to Jono, our active and vibrant CEO that has rooted for women’s cricket since the very first day he stepped into his CEO role. His passion and belief in our team is unparalleled in SA Cricket in my opinion. We do appreciate all the effort and care that goes in behind the scenes and thank the entire Lions Pride as we look to strive forth come the 2023/24 season.

In closing, a big THANK YOU to each and every person that contributed to our season… each player and each ‘off-field’ member of management that ploughed in many hours of planning and implementation. As we gave this season our all, we trust we showed you our appreciation for all that you do for us as individuals, a team, a pride.

Onwards and upwards for next season – we’re coming for the Double!

Kind regards,

Shaun