DP World Lions Women are preparing for a landmark weekend of women’s cricket, with captain Raisibe Ntozakhe leading the Pro20 side into the Hollywoodbets Pro20 Final against WSB Western Province Women on Friday, 13 March, before Kgomotso Rapoo’s reigning Pro50 champions face the same opponents in the Pro50 Final on Sunday, 15 March, 2026, both finals to be decided at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium in Durban this weekend.
Ntozakhe has guided a confident Pro20 team to the final, where they will face reigning champions, Western Province, with both the Johannesburg and Cape Town teams having booked their finals berths prior to the conclusion of the home-and-away phase of the tournament.
The final is also a rematch with a point to prove for the Lions, as Western Province are the only side to have beaten Ntozakhe’s team in the Pro20 this season, making Sunday’s decider a compelling contest between the two standout teams of the competition.
The short-format captain, Ntozakhe, led the team for the first time this season and spoke with pride about what her team has achieved this season.
“It is a great honour to have led the team for the first time this season, and it makes me beam with joy that our hard work has brought us to the final. I couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of them for their consistency, hard work, and dedication to the craft.”
DP World Lions Women Pro20 Captain, Raisibe Ntozakhe
With the big game being days away, Ntozakhe says her team will be focusing on making even the smallest improvement as they look to bring home the title. “The biggest thing for me was to remain humble and to maintain consistency in all aspects of our skills.
“My mantra is to aim to be 1% better in the next game than we were in the previous one. We have been trying to learn as much as we can, to improve our game.”
Rapoo and her Pro50 team take on the same opponents from the Western Cape at the same venue on Sunday, 15 March. For her and her 50-over charges, things are a bit different coming in as reigning champions, looking to ensure that the trophy stays in their cabinet.
Rapoo says that being champions means their high standards of performance need to continue, as they look to hold on to the title. “I believe winning the Pro50 competition created higher expectations, attention, and motivation.”
“Winning the previous season gave us the belief that our system works. Being champions pushes us players to maintain the standard; however, there are challenges like extra pressure, opponents studying you more carefully, and not being complacent. Many teams often struggle to defend the title, but we are hopeful that we can be the first team to retain it.”
DP World Lions Women Pro50 Captain, Kgomotso Rapoo
“Our main focus in preparation for the finals has been staying consistent with the things that got us here. We have worked hard in our game plans, sharpening our skills in training and making sure everyone is mentally ready for the pressure of the finals. We have also spent time analysing their strengths and where we can put more pressure. At the same time, the team is focused on staying calm, trusting each other and executing our plans on the day,” Rapoo said on their preparation.
A captain is the primary leader of the team and plays the go-between when it comes to players and the coach. They are tasked with motivating the team and ensuring their team performs to their optimum as players and people.
Rapoo says leadership is central to being a captain, as building a cohesive unit and an inclusive atmosphere. “Both on and off the field throughout the season, it is about setting the standard, keeping the players motivated, and making sure everyone is focused on the team’s goals.”
“During games, the captain has to make important decisions and keep the team calm under pressure. Off the field, it is also about supporting teammates, building a strong team environment, and making sure everyone is working together to improve and succeed.
“My job is to guide and lead the team with discipline and transparency. In the same breath, I have been listening to the team’s input and feedback because without them, I’m no leader. Having a team and management that backs you at all times has also made my job a lot easier,” as Ntozakhe echoed these sentiments.
The Pro20 and Pro50 competitions have been revolutionary for women’s cricket in South Africa. For someone like Ntozakhe, who was introduced to the game in Grade 2 and went on to represent the Proteas Women. She explains that back then, her dreams were limited, but with the advent of domestic cricket, her perspective changed.
“It means a lot to me because back in the day, I used to play for the passion and love for the sport, and the dream was to play for The Proteas and that was it. Now that the game has grown and we have a Pro league, we are seeing improved levels of competitiveness and new talent being showcased on the field through this league. It is really exciting to see such a transition in the women’s cricketing space, and I’m hoping to continue to witness it evolve.”
“The growth of domestic cricket in our country has come a long way from just playing for passion to being a professional cricketer. It is something I didn’t think would happen, but I am very grateful to not only have witnessed but have been a part of. Now that it has come to fruition, it is remarkable and is a step in the right direction.”
She went on to say that adding a secondary division can further grow the game.
“What I feel needs to be done to further the growth is to have a professional league for Division 2, as this will also motivate them to elevate and improve their game, as we have seen with the Division 1 players. We also need more sponsors so that the growth continues.”
Rapoo shared that the domestic competitions mean a lot to her because they represent how far the women’s game has come in South Africa.
“The competition gives players a platform to showcase their talents and play high-quality cricket. Seeing the growth of women’s cricket and the opportunities now available is really inspiring. Being part of the competition like this motivates us to keep improving and also to contribute to the continued growth of the women’s game in our country.”
Hollywoodbets Pro20 Final on Friday, 13 March 2026
18:00: DP World Lions Women vs WSB Western Province Women
Hollywoodbets Pro50 Final on Sunday, 15 March 2026
10:00: DP World Lions Women vs WSB Western Province Women
Main Photo Caption: WSB Western Province Women captain Leah Jones (left) and DP World Lions Women captain Raisibe Ntozakhe will contest the Hollywoodbets Pro20 Final with the Lions targeting the title from reigning champions Western Province at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium in Durban on Friday, 13 March 2026. All Photos: CSA Domestic Leagues
Photo 2 Caption: Lions skipper Kgomotso Rapoo (left) and Leah Jones ahead of the Pro50 Final at Kingsmead, Durban, Sunday, 15 March, 2026.
Photo 3 Caption: Kgomotso Rapoo and the Lions Women will be intent on securing their continued champions status in this evening’s Pro20 final.
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