Sisanda Magala was honoured with the Lions Player of the Season accolade at the franchise’s awards evening in Johannesburg on Thursday evening.

The Lions capped off an excellent season of domestic success – winning the CSA T20 Challenge, while sharing the Momentum One Day Cup after the final against the Dolphins was rained out.

Magala was the big winner on the night, though, also claiming the newcomer of the year award, while Proteas all-rounder Wiaan Mulder was named Most Improved Players of the Season.

Batsman Dominic Hendricks was voted Players’ Player of the season after an excellent season at the top of the Lions batting order.

‘Since the start of the franchise system, Lions Cricket has won ten trophies – three 4-Day Domestic Series, three Momentum One-Day Cup and four CSA T20 Challenge,’ said Central Golden Lions president Anne Vilas.

‘We’re extremely excited of what’s to come in terms of the new domestic structure and our Union being awarded the Division 1 status in the top 8 for the next two seasons. But it too comes with a heavy heart and fond farewell to the franchise period as well as our partnership with North West Cricket. I personally would like to warmly congratulate all of tonight’s winners and thank every Imperial Lions player for representing us with such tremendous pride and professionalism this season, you have all been #SimplyTheBest!’