Lions Cricket Awards 2025: DP World Lions Celebrate Codi Yusuf, Ntozakhe

Lions Cricket Awards 2025: Celebrating Grit, Glory, and Greatness

A night of cricketing excellence and community spirit

Under glittering lights and a red carpet lined with energy, style, and celebration, the 2025 Lions Cricket Awards took center stage at a spectacular venue in Johannesburg on May 23. What unfolded wasn’t just a ceremony it was a tribute to the players, coaches, clubs, and communities who embody the essence of Lions Cricket. From record-breaking performances to grassroots heroes, every layer of the Pride was honored in a night that showcased just how deep the passion for the game runs in Gauteng.

Hosted in true "Starlight Soiree" fashion, the annual Lions Cricket Awards brought together nearly 500 guests. The evening was buzzing with music, laughter, and celebration from live orchestras to the pulsating beats of Mafikizolo, one of South Africa’s most iconic musical acts. It was a reminder that cricket, for this franchise, is more than a sport it’s culture, community, and commitment.

Raisibe Ntozakhe shines brightest

Among the many moments that lit up the night, Raisibe Ntozakhe emerged as one of the event’s most decorated stars. The off-spinner, a key figure in the DP World Lions Ladies’ setup, walked away with three major awards including the coveted DP World Lions Ladies Player of the Season. Her role in securing the 50-over title was undeniable, particularly her stunning 5 for 11 performance that dismantled the Dolphins and turned the tide in the tournament.

Ntozakhe’s dominance extended to the Hollywoodbets Pro20 and Pro50 Bowler of the Season awards, where her knack for delivering under pressure set her apart. Finishing the season with 16 wickets in the one-day format at an average of just 12.61, she anchored an attack that consistently kept opponents on the back foot.

Kgomotso Rapoo, the captain’s heart

Skipper Kgomotso Rapoo wasn’t far behind in the accolades. Recognized with the ACDC Express Players' Player of the Season and McDonald’s Fans’ Player of the Season awards, Rapoo finished the one-day tournament as the leading wicket-taker with 18 scalps. Her contributions with both ball and leadership were pivotal in the Lions Ladies' success across formats.

Codi Yusuf and Lutho Sipamla rule the men's bowling charts

For the men, it was Codi Yusuf who stole the spotlight. The right-arm quick walked away with DP World Lions Player of the Season, McDonald’s Fans’ Player of the Season, and bowling honors across the CSA 4-Day Series and One-Day Cup. His 23 wickets at 22.39 in the longer format were the joint-highest alongside Lutho Sipamla.

Sipamla, meanwhile, owned the T20 Challenge final with a blistering 4 for 12 spell against the Titans, earning him the T20 Bowler of the Season and further solidifying his status as a match-winner in crunch moments.

Batting brilliance across formats

With the bat, Zubayr Hamza’s red-ball consistency was rewarded with the CSA 4-Day Series Batter of the Season after notching 528 runs including a final-match century. Connor Esterhuizen delivered across both white-ball formats, earning the One-Day Cup and T20 Batter of the Season honors.

On the women’s side, Sunette Viljoen-Louw and Tazmin Brits showcased remarkable form, topping the run charts in the 50-over and T20 tournaments respectively.

Fortuin, Rajapaksa, and the future

All-rounder Bjorn Fortuin was acknowledged for his consistent performances across formats with the ACDC Express Players’ Player of the Season award. Youngster Kwena Maphaka, bowling with fiery pace, was named Sedgars Sport Newcomer of the Season a clear nod to his meteoric rise and potential as a future national star.

Among the women, Fay Cowling was recognized as the Sedgars Sport Newcomer of the Season for her explosive all-round contributions, while Nonkululeko Thabethe's growth across formats earned her the Afripure Most Improved Player of the Season title.

Acknowledging inclusivity and grassroots heroes

Lions Cricket continued its mission of inclusivity by honoring blind and deaf cricket stars. Sivuyise Gwayi and Lwande Bhidla took top honors in blind cricket, while Sivesh Poonsamy-Muthoo bagged a hat-trick of awards including Fidelity Player of the Season in deaf cricket.

Club cricket was equally celebrated with players and teams from the Enza Premier League, Black Widow T20 League, and Lions Veterans League recognized for their efforts. The highly sought-after Telkom Club of the Season was awarded to GM Old Edwardians CC, honoring their contribution to the regional game.

A farewell to a legend: Kirstie Thomson

The night reached a poignant high when Kirstie Thomson was honored with the Presidential Award. Retiring after a decorated career that saw her play 143 matches for the Lions, scoring over 4,000 runs and taking 100 wickets, Thomson was saluted for her immeasurable contribution to women’s cricket in South Africa.

Lions Cricket CEO Jono Leaf-Wright on the journey ahead

In his closing address, Lions Cricket CEO Jono Leaf-Wright captured the essence of the night:

“We’ve had an unbelievable year—scoring so much more than we even set out to! That just shows the power of DREAMING BIG. I am genuinely grateful to the people of this Pride and all who support it… and trust me when I say that we have even BIGGER and BETTER planned for the upcoming season, both inside and outside the boundary ropes.”

His message, like the entire evening, echoed a larger truth Lions Cricket isn’t just winning trophies, it’s building a legacy.