Gauteng Talent Scouts Find Goldmine Again at Jozi Cup
The fourth edition of the Jozi Cup came to a thrilling close at the historic DP World Wanderers Stadium on Sunday, once again proving to be a hotbed for cricketing talent in the country. In the premier T20 winter club tournament, NAS Marks Park Royals and Diadora XI emerged victorious in the Men’s and Women’s Open divisions respectively, following seven action-packed weeks that celebrated the sport in all its forms.
Nationwide Participation Fuels a Festival of Cricket
With over 130 teams competing from across the country, the Jozi Cup offered a spectacle for cricket lovers of all ages. From enthusiastic Under-11s to determined veterans in the Over-40s categories, players displayed heart and skill, turning the competition into a grassroots cricket carnival.
Tournament Director Reuben Mandlazi underscored the tournament’s unmatched appeal. “This is not your ordinary cricket competition. Clubs come fully prepared because they know scouts are watching. The Jozi Cup drives ambition and unity,” he said.
He also highlighted the role of the Telkom Talent Acceleration Programme in raising the bar for the competition, offering pathways for promising players to reach professional levels.
Breaking Ground with U13 Girls Section
This year marked the historic introduction of an Under-13 girls division — a major step forward for inclusivity in local cricket. Featuring five teams and eight round-robin matches, the section gave young girls vital exposure and meaningful game time.
Shaun Pretorius, head of Lions Women’s Cricket, praised the quality on show. “Seeing the talent already blooming in the U13 girls division is hugely encouraging for the future of the women’s game,” he said.
Community Spirit at Its Core
Lions Cricket CEO Jono Leaf-Wright acknowledged the tournament’s broader impact. “Year after year, Jozi Cup proves what’s possible when clubs and communities unite. The passion, commitment, and skill on display make this a very special event,” he said.
The Cup’s inclusiveness extended to Blind Cricket and Veterans divisions, further demonstrating its commitment to accessibility and development across the board.
Celebrating the Stars of Jozi Cup 2025
Here are the standout performers from the tournament:
Blind Cricket Division
- Winners: JSBC
- MVP: Buhle Bhidla (Busk Bucks)
- Top Batter: Buhle Bhidla (Busk Bucks)
- Top Bowler: Sabelo Zaza (JSBC)
Veterans Division
- Winners: Wanderers
- MVP: Andre Johnson (Wanderers)
- Top Batter: Andre Johnson (Wanderers)
- Top Bowler: Mohammed Teladia (Jeppe Masters)
Women’s Open Division
- Winners: Diadora XI
- MVP: Fay Cowling (Jeppe)
- Top Batter: Fay Cowling (Jeppe)
- Top Bowler: Fay Cowling (Jeppe)
Men’s Open Division
- Winners: NAS Marks Park Royals
- MVP: Chris Pistorius (Wanderers)
- Top Batter: Chris Pistorius (Wanderers)
- Top Bowler: Daniel Poulton (Wanderers)
Scouts Strike Gold Again
With national selectors and franchise scouts closely monitoring proceedings, the Jozi Cup has once again unearthed a treasure trove of talent that could shape the future of cricket in the country. The platform’s growing credibility and its ability to merge competitive edge with community spirit are what make this tournament a standout on the local cricket calendar.
From youngsters dreaming big to veterans still showing their class, the Jozi Cup is more than just a competition — it’s a celebration of passion, purpose and possibility.
Related article: A Look at Gauteng’s Top Cricket Clubs
