- dailynews.co.za - Sport - 29/Jul 12:55

Lions Cricket and Telkom renew partnership to strengthen inclusive pipeline

Lions Cricket are proud to confirm the Pride’s partnership renewal with Telkom for at least three years, reinforcing a shared commitment to bridging the gap between amateur and professional cricket through a robust, inclusive, and all-encompassing pipeline programme.The Telkom Talent Acceleration Programme is the umbrella under which the #ThePrideOfJozi cricketing ecosystem operates — identifying and nurturing talent both on and off the field.At the heart of this system are foundational initiatives like the Mini-Cricket programme, which introduces the sport at grassroots level, with a strong focus on previously disadvantaged communities across Gauteng. Driven by passionate volunteers, the programme also includes coaching certifications and encourages local clubs to host community festivals to foster participation and enthusiasm.Proteas Men’s head coach Shukri Conrad has today announced full-strength squads for the upcoming white-ball tour against Australia, scheduled to take place next month.🇿🇦🏏Congratulations to our DP World Lions, Temba Bavuma, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Kwena Maphaka, Wiaan… pic.twitter.com/3fgaKjEGHR— DP World Lions (@LionsCricketSA) July 24, 2025 Progressing through the age groups are Youth and Schools Cricket programmes, which continue to produce standout performances and national representatives. With transformation and inclusion as central pillars, the initiative ensures access to structured cricket opportunities for all schools — levelling the playing field across the province.Bridging the gap from school to professional cricket are the Telkom Lions Academy and Colts programmes, which focus not only on cricketing excellence but also on life skills, preparing players for elite performance and long-term success. Academy players are scouted from clubs and schools and are guided through a holistic development journey.Club cricket also forms a crucial part of the ecosystem, with competitions such as the Enza Premier League (Men), DP World Premier League (Women), Blackwidow T20, Macrocomm Knockout Cup, and the Jozi Cup, all ensuring consistent competitive action and growth across the board.“We are proud to continue our partnership with Lions Cricket and to reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable cricketing ecosystem,” said Gugu Mthembu, Telkom’s chief marketing officer. “At Telkom, we believe in the power of sport to transform lives and communities.”Lions Cricket CEO Jono Leaf-Wright emphasised the importance of the grassroots-driven approach that underpins the entire pipeline.“All of this is pushed from the bottom up – our Hubs, the Telkom Talent Acceleration Programme, the Telkom Lions Academy, and multiple leagues spanning quality schools, universities, and clubs,” said Leaf-Wright. “This Pride is relentless in pursuit of perfection, and with Telkom walking with us, our journey is genuinely changing lives for the better — on-field and off it.”Beyond cricketing development, Telkom’s involvement includes infrastructure investment, with the revamping and revival of multiple cricket venues helping to strengthen the long-term sustainability of the game in Gauteng.The Star is the official media partner of the Lions.