Wanderers, Johannesburg – 26 May 2025
In a powerful union of sporting excellence and automotive luxury, Mahindra South Africa has officially welcomed three of South African cricket’s most iconic names – Jonty Rhodes, Allan Donald, and Reeza Hendricks – as ambassadors of the brand and proud drivers of the flagship Mahindra XUV700.
This collaboration, celebrated at the iconic Wanderers Stadium, not only marks a significant brand alignment between Mahindra and Lions Cricket, but also underlines Mahindra’s deepening commitment to South African sport, youth development and community empowerment.
A Meeting of Icons
Each cricketing legend is now at the wheel of a personalised Mahindra XUV700, a luxury SUV that blends power, innovation and refinement – much like the careers of the three ambassadors who now represent it.
“We are thrilled to welcome these cricket icons to the Mahindra family,” said Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa. “Their expertise and passion for developing cricket talent aligns perfectly with Mahindra’s commitment to excellence and community development.”
Jonty Rhodes: The Fielding Revolutionary
Few cricketers have changed the game as dramatically as Jonty Rhodes. Best remembered for his airborne run-out of Inzamam-ul-Haq at the 1992 World Cup, Rhodes was not only a match-winner with the bat but also a fielding innovator who set new global standards. Over a decade-long international career, he racked up more than 8,000 runs and 139 catches for the Proteas.
Thanks to Mahindra’s support, Rhodes joins the Lions as a high-performance fielding consultant, where he’ll instil his trademark energy and precision into the next generation of South African cricketers.
Allan Donald: The Speedster Returns
A name that echoes in every cricketing corridor, Allan “White Lightning” Donald is South Africa’s original pace sensation. With 330 Test wickets and 272 ODI scalps, Donald’s blistering speed and aggression earned him a place in the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.
Already a bowling coach at Lions Cricket, Donald’s role will now expand through Mahindra-sponsored training camps designed to share his wisdom with young speedsters across the province.
Reeza Hendricks: Elegance in Motion
One of the current stars of South African cricket, Reeza Hendricks brings a contemporary flair to this partnership. The stylish right-hander made headlines with a century on his ODI debut and continues to anchor both the Lions and Proteas batting line-ups with consistent performances and elegant shot-making.
With Mahindra’s backing, Hendricks will expand his mentorship role, helping bridge the gap between professional and grassroots cricket as he hosts special batting clinics and outreach events.
Driving Development, On and Off the Pitch
All three ambassadors will spearhead exclusive two-day coaching camps at Wanderers Stadium, focusing on their individual areas of expertise – fielding, fast bowling, and batting. These sessions will be open to schools, clubs, coaches, and elite development players, including participants from Jozi Cup, the Lions Academy, and professional men’s and women’s teams.
In addition, Mahindra will host intimate talks and fan events, giving supporters and Mahindra vehicle owners rare behind-the-scenes access to their cricketing heroes.
“Lions Cricket is a place where dreams come true,” said Jono Leaf-Wright, CEO of Lions Cricket. “We’re proud to work with Mahindra in a partnership that’s about more than just logos on shirts. It’s about real transformation, real opportunity, and sharing expertise across every level of the game.”
A Partnership with Purpose
As title sponsors of Lions Cricket and proud backers of the Joburg Super Kings in the SA20 Series, Mahindra continues to align itself with champions both on and off the field. This latest collaboration is a reflection of the brand’s broader ethos – Together We Rise – and its drive to fuel potential wherever it is found.
The Mahindra XUV700, with its bold design, cutting-edge technology, and luxurious features, is more than a vehicle. It’s a statement – one now driven by three of the country’s finest cricketing minds.
