The Lions have given high performance contracts to sextet Wandile Makwetu, Cole Abrahams, Marco van Biljon, Muhammed Manack, Ronan Herrmann and Nqaba Peter for the 2023-24 domestic season in South Africa.
Makwetu played two first-class fixtures for the Lions during the 2022-23 season after joining from the Knights.
Former Western Province players Zubayr Hamza, Junaid Dawood and Tshepo Moreki, meanwhile, have joined the Lions on full contracts. All-rounder Delano Potgieter has returned from North West.
Lions men’s contracted squad
- Dominic Hendricks
- Wiaan Mulder
- Lutho Sipamla
- Junaid Dawood
- Zubayr Hamza
- Tsepo Ndwandwa
- Tshepo Moreki
- Delano Potgieter
- Joshua Richards
- Mitchell van Buuren
- Duanne Olivier
- Codi Yusuf
- Evan Jones
- Malusi Siboto
- Connor Esterhuizen
- Temba Bavuma (national contract)
- Reeza Hendricks (national contract)
- Rassie der Dussen (national contract)
- Kagiso Rabada (national contract)
- Bjorn Fortuin (national contract)
- Sisanda Magala (national contract)
- Ryan Rickelton (national contract)
- Wandile Makwetu (high performance contract)
- Cole Abrahams (high performance contract)
- Marco van Biljon (high performance contract)
- Muhammed Manack (high performance contract)
- Ronan Herrmann (high performance contract)
- Nqaba Peter (high performance contract)
Lions women’s contracted squad
- Raisibe Ntozakhe
- Kgomotso Rapoo
- Lehlohonolo Sardick
- Palesa Mapoo
- Sarah Nettleton
- Jenna Evans
- Nonkululeko Thabethe
- Kirstie Thomson
- Sunette Viljoen-Louw
- Jameelah Shaikjee
- Samantha Schutte
- Oluhle Siyo
- Madison Landsman
- Refilwe Moncho
- Sarah Barber
- Karabo Meso
- Diara Ramlakan
- Bianca Booyjens
- Relebohile Mkhize
- Thristan Cronje
- Ayabonga Khaka (national contract)
- Tumi Sekhukhune (national contract)
- Chloe Tryon (national contract)
- Sinalo Jafta (national contract)
What the Lions Cricket said
“Plotting our pride is a relishing challenge. Our powerful pipeline presents us with such promise that even our experienced athletes know that delivery is key season upon season,” said Lions Cricket chief executive officer Jono Leaf-Wright.
“However, having said that, that’s exactly what our stalwarts did last season – delivered – which left us wanting to keep our squads much the same.
“Every player signed embodies the sportsmanship we insist on – promising potential – and an unrivalled passion for Lions Cricket. Solid players and even better people – that’s what we have going into this season.”
Lions Cricket president Anne Vilas added: “We were well pleased with the performances of last season and we will look to these players to achieve that much and more this time round.
“I believe that our squad encompasses players that echo our desire to win; are professional, passionate and proud; and acknowledge that playing is a privilege. We feel strong and are ready for the hunt ahead.”
Lions looking for new head coach
Former Lions head coach Wandile Gwavu recently joined the Proteas support staff as limited-overs fielding coach.
“An integral ingredient to the pride these last few seasons, Wandile will be missed, will always be welcome at the Wanderers and has the wholehearted support of Lions Cricket,” concluded Leaf-Wright.