Richfield and Lions Cricket have renewed their partnership, aimed at strengthening the link between sport and education discipline. Since 2020, the collaboration has aimed to provide players and staff with access to tertiary education, helping them grow both on and off the field.
The partnership aims to go beyond sponsorship. It aims to focus on building a supportive framework for athletes, ensuring that they are equipped for future opportunities. Educational programmes are offered across the Lions Cricket ecosystem, including the DP World Lions, with scholarships for distance learning degree qualifications accessible to professionals and emerging players in both the Professional men's and women's teams, says the company.
Adam Kelly, Group Chief Commercial Officer at Richfield, the leading private tertiary institution in South Africa for business and IT degrees, says that they are proud to continue supporting Lions Cricket.
"Our goal is to help players and staff develop beyond the boundary. Education equips them with skills and knowledge they can carry into their future careers and personal lives. For us, seeing athletes commit to learning as seriously as they commit to cricket is inspiring, and it sets a strong example for all young Africans looking to further their post-Matric education," says Kelly.
"This partnership ensures that every single individual within our pride has the opportunity grow personally and professionally. At Lions Cricket, we've always pushed not only to produce great players on the field, but even better people off it," says Jono Leaf-Wright, CEO of Lions Cricket.
"This partnership speaks exactly to that key goal, with our players and staff being encouraged to pursue tertiary qualifications while still making the most of their cricket careers. We want them to be well-rounded individuals who are prepared for whatever comes next, on or off the field," adds Leaf-Wright.
In 2025, the partnership expanded to include women players. Three young, Lions Cricket ladies enrolled in Bachelor of Business Administration programmes at Richfield, marking the first intake for female players under this partnership, says the company.
The partnership also aims to highlight the broader role sport can play in personal development. By encouraging education alongside athletic training, Richfield and Lions Cricket are aiming to invest in the long-term success of the players. This helps them prepare for working-world careers while also building skills that enhance decision-making, leadership, and problem-solving on the field, adds the company.
Leaf-Wright says that Lions Cricket sees the renewed partnership as a way to continue shaping strong, capable individuals. "Our ambition has always been to bring out the best in every person within our ecosystem. Education equips our people for future opportunities and fosters a culture where learning is as valued as winning."
With this renewed commitment, Richfield and Lions Cricket continue their aim to demonstrate how sport and education go hand in hand, empowering players to a life beyond the boundary ropes, concludes the company.
For more information, visit www.richfield.ac.za. You can also follow Richfield on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram.
*Image courtesy of contributor