The DP World Lions are set to kick off their 2025/26 campaign in style this weekend when they host the Hollywoodbets Dolphins in the opening clash of the Hollywoodbets Pro 50 series at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg (October 4–5). Entrance is free, and fans are encouraged to come in numbers to back the reigning champions as they look to defend their crown.
The launch of the Lions’ new season kit added an extra spark to the build-up, with captain Raisibe Ntozakhe sharing her excitement about what the designs represent.
“I think it’s great that it has actually changed from the past two seasons, this one is dapper if I must be honest. It’s really cool, very dope,” Ntozakhe said with a smile. Lions Cricket Launch
“You can actually see the stadium behind the travelling T-shirt and you can also see the whole of Jozi in our training kit. The T20 kit has the lion roaring and the 50-over has the lion’s claws, so I think it truly represents what we are as a brand. We are the DP World Lions brand, and it shows how significant it is for us to wear that jersey with pride. We are part of a pack and always working things out together.”
This season, Ntozakhe steps into a leadership role as the new captain, a responsibility she embraces with both excitement and humility.
“I am honoured to be appointed as the new captain,” she said. “For me in that role, I’m excited to lead from the front and the biggest thing is instilling knowledge to my teammates and working hand in hand with them altogether. I have an awesome vice-captain and a very dope 50-over captain. With the three heads that we have, as well as Nonkululeko Thabethe who’s been playing for the senior provincial team for a long time, it’s going to help us work together and share all the ideas that we need to conquer this tournament.”
With the Lions already defending champions in the 50-over format, Ntozakhe admits the pressure is real—but also sees it as motivation.
“There is pressure because we are the defending title champions in the 50 overs, and for the T20 I would like us to at least win it. But also, by the first few games we’re going to play in the upcoming months, we want to at least sit in second or third position and then next year, I’m hoping that we’ll actually fight against Western Province, who were the T20 champions.”
And while tactics and teamwork remain vital, Ntozakhe made it clear that the fans are the heartbeat of the Lions’ success.
“They actually play a very crucial role. Last season we had a lot of fans—our families came to support, we had a brass band, the amazing staff. The stadium might not have been filled, but the presence of the fans mattered the most because we would hear cheering. The supporters are really important to us because it shows that they do follow women’s cricket and they are truly rallying behind us.”
As the Lions roar into a new season, their claws are sharpened, their pride united, and their eyes firmly on silverware. For the Johannesburg faithful, this weekend is the perfect chance to witness the pack in action and celebrate the rise of women’s cricket.
Match Info:
October 4–5, 2025
Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
Free Entrance
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