de Bruyn among three new sign-ups for Lions

The Johannesburg-based Highveld Lions franchise has signed up three new players for the 2009-10 season - Zander De Bruyn, Thami Tsolekile and Ugasen Govender.

de Bruyn, the allrounder who has played three Tests for South Africa, makes a return to the franchise (formerly Gauteng) after playing the last three seasons for the Warriors. He's currently playing county cricket for Somerset.

Tsolekile, the wicketkeeper who has also played three Tests for South Africa, has transferred from the Cape Cobras. Govender, a fast bowler, has moved from the Durban-based Dolphins franchise and is expected to join his new team-mates in September after his league cricket stint in the UK ends.

"I am very excited about these three new signings as I know that culturally all three will fit really well into the culture we are striving for in the team," Dave Nosworthy, the Lions head coach, said. "In the three we gain real experience and youth, whilst both Zander and Thami are also real allrounders which is an asset to any team.

"I look forward to meaningful contributions and performances in the coming season, and welcome Zander, Thami, and Ugasen into our fold."

The Lions finished third last season in the SuperSport Series with two wins and six draws from ten games.