Wessels joins Lions support staff

Kepler Wessels, the former South Africa captain, has been named the Highveld Lions' strategic cricket consultant for the Champions League in September. He was expected to join the Lions next month.

"I am very to happy to work with the team and have worked well with the coaching staff and senior players in the past. I look forward to using my experience to help the team perform to the best of their abilities," Wessels said on Monday afternoon. "In Twenty20 cricket, anything can happen and if the team plays good and performs well especially under home conditions, they can do very well."

Wessels coached the Chennai Super Kings to the final of the IPL in its inaugural season two years ago and has recently worked with the South African team as a batting consultant and national selector. He also coached Northamptonshire for three and a half seasons before parting ways in 2006.

Lions coach Dave Nosworthy welcomed the inclusion of the experienced Wessels to the support staff. "Kepler brings vast experience and knowledge which is what I think may just give our players the edge short term, and more importantly proper understanding of true professionalism in the long term," Nosworthy said. "I have no doubt that his expertise will greatly assist us all in our quest to surprise a few (in the Champions League)."