Cricket
Legendary Rhodes joins Lions coaching staff─── MORGAN PIEK 13:14 Tue, 20 May 2025
The Lions have strengthened their coaching team for the 2025/26 domestic season with the appointment of one of the most iconic cricketers – not just in South African cricket, but globally – to their technical setup.
Former Proteas batter Jonty Rhodes, widely regarded as the greatest fielder of all time, will be joining the Lions’ coaching staff.
He brings his wealth of expertise to an already formidable coaching team, led by former Proteas head coach Russell Domingo, fast-bowling legend Allan Donald, and batting maestro Hashim Amla.
Rhodes will take charge of the fielding department, bringing with him invaluable experience from similar roles with IPL franchises Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants.
#OnThisDay in 1992, Jonty Rhodes trusted his instinct to pull off one of most iconic run-outs of all time. pic.twitter.com/HNjRn51q8H
— Sportstar (@sportstarweb) March 8, 2025
“With their drive to keep improving in all areas, it’s no surprise that Lions Cricket have achieved so much success both on and off the field over the past five years,” said Rhodes, who scored a combined 8,467 runs for South Africa Test as well as One-Day International cricket.
“Even with my 16 years of coaching experience in the IPL and SA20, I’m still on a journey of growth. That’s why I’m excited about this opportunity to work with Lions Cricket over the next 12 months. I hope to add value across all levels of cricket in Gauteng.”
Lions Cricket CEO Jono Leaf-Wright believes Rhodes’ appointment will bring even more depth to the union’s already strong setup.
Masterclass in the art of flying—by the OG himself, Jonty Rhodes!pic.twitter.com/UkAeEhU5HV
— House_of_Cricket (@Houseof_Cricket) March 6, 2025
“We are truly grateful to Mahindra for assisting Lions Cricket in securing one of the world’s greatest-ever fielders – the legend, Jonty Rhodes,” said Leaf-Wright.
“We warmly welcome him to our committed and ambitious management team. We’re eager to tap into his knowledge and learn from his wealth of experience.
“A true professional, Jonty will bring even more firepower to the Lions Cricket ecosystem. To have him influence, inspire, and make an impact across the Lions family is something that really excites me. I’m looking forward to the season ahead.”
Rhodes became a household name when he famously ran out Inzamam-ul-Haq during the 1992 Cricket World Cup in Australia.
