McKenzie commits to Lions future

Neil McKenzie has committed his future to the Highveld Lions ending recent speculation about a move to Cape Town's Cobras.

McKenzie, 34, currently playing for Hampshire in the County Championship after signing a season-long Kolpak deal, lost the Highveld Lions captaincy over two months ago and was thought to be out of favour at the Johannesburg franchise after Alviro Petersen took over as captain.

But he has signed a new two-year deal at the Wanderers and coach Dave Nosworthy is thrilled to have secured him. "Neil is an integral part of the senior management within the team. I look forward to working alongside him as we grow this team together into something special in years to come."

Meanwhile, Highveld Lions have also confirmed that Dane Vilas, Tabraiz Shamsi and Devon Conway will all leave the franchise, the former joining the Cobras and the latter pair the Dolphins.