LIONS CRICKET CONGRATULATE IPL PRIDE MEMBERS

Johannesburg, 20 March 2024

Lions Cricket are proud to confirm their third Pride member joining this year’s Indian Premier League, 17 year old matriculant Kwena Maphaka.

At the forefront of the Pride is Lions Cricket President Dr Mohammed Moosajee, representing the Rajastan Royals as the official team doctor.

On the playing front is #ThePrideOfJoburg’s KG Rabada, who having held his own beautifully during the current CSA T20 Challenge, is now in the camp of Punjab Kings.

The most recent of the three Lions representatives is Maphaka, who joined the Mumbai Indians last evening.

DP World Lions Head Coach Russell Domingo commented what a fantastic opportunity this is for the young man;

“It’s an incredible opportunity for Kwena to play with and against some of the best players in the world, in the biggest tournament of the world. The whole entire Lions Cricket eco-system can be exceptionally proud of this Pride member – a locally developed player who has come through the schooling system and has been well looked after by the coaching fraternity. He certainly will be missed in my particular team – he has done an amazing job for us bowling up front, getting early wickets and then also bowling really well at the death. He is tough to replace however we certainly have the lads who can step up in Tshepo Moreki, as well as possibly an extra spinner in the mix in certain conditions such as Junaid Dawood and Nqaba Peter come into the equation. But it’s a fantastic opportunity for Kwena at Mumbai Indians – he will be in a good system there, good coaches around him, a winning franchise so we certainly do wish him the very best!”

DP World Lions Bowling Coach Allan Donald echoed Domingo, saying that Maphaka is an individual who only comes along every so often;

“When I first saw KG Rabada, I thought to myself “Wow, this guy really is cut out for the big stuff”… you just know that a guy like that is built for the big show. The same can be said for Kwena: There is no doubt that his skill is exceptional, but the most impressive thing is his surety about not only himself but about what he is going to do. I think a great example of that was the other night when he defended 11 off the Super Over and bowled intelligently, backed his best ball which in that pressure situation was the yorker – and got the job done. I think that the DP World Lions will miss him – no question – but his absence marks an opportunity for someone else to stand up. Kwena has the opportunity now to showcase his skills at the biggest tournament on the planet, and we all wish him well and want him to succeed. This kid has got the talent and the skill to play first up and is the sort of guy that you will have in the IPL and back him to be in your starting lineup. The experience he will gain by being surrounded by top players, coaches and friends is unmatched – even just from being in the changerooms. We wish all our Pride members well in this IPL.”

Lions Cricket wish all three Pride members well: May you play hard, play fair, roar loudly and roar proudly: The Pride of Jozi is behind you every single ball. A reminder to DP World Lions fans, that the Pride has three round robin games remaining in the CSA T20 Challenge, all in March, and we welcome your support!