Lions hope to retain Viljoen

The Lions franchise are hopeful of holding on to fast bowler Hardus Viljoen, who has been in discussion with New Zealand side, Central Districts, and could consider moving to the country to continue his career.

"We are aware that he has been talking to the Stags but we are in the process of firming up his contract for next season. As things stand now, we believe he will commit to us," Greg Fredericks, Lions CEO, told ESPNcricinfo.

Former international Fanie de Villiers is facilitating the talks between Viljoen and Central Districts, whose head coach Heinrich Malan played in South Africa. De Villiers told The Citizen newspaper that he believed Viljoen will have better opportunities in New Zealand.

"Patriotism is out the door," de Villiers said. "He's been the leading wicket-taker over the last few seasons, but he hasn't played for South Africa because of the dynamics of the team. Hardus is a very strong and a very good fast bowler who can bowl at 150kmph and he will be sought after in New Zealand and Australia."

Viljoen was second on the Sunfoil Series bowling charts last season, with 39 wickets at 20.43. He was sixth the season before that (2013-14), with 33 wickets at 30.51 and eighth in the 2012-13 summer with 31 wickets at 21.51.

He has made his name with both pace and aggression and is one of the leaders of the Lions' attack. He has also caught the eye of the national selectors - he played for the South Africa A side last winter in two unofficial Tests against Australia A, and has also was in the A squad's fifty-over group for the last two winter tournaments.

It's not so much the lack of opportunity but the greater earning potential that Viljoen is after. "It's about what we can offer him," Fredericks said, while even de Villiers said ensuring proper remuneration was the main motivator for Viljoen seeking the move. He is also eyeing county cricket for the same reason.

Lions understand Viljoen's value and have given an assurance that they will compensate him as well as they can. "We know he is important to us, especially now that we have lost Chris Morris to the Titans and we are negotiating with him," Fredericks said

Should Viljoen decide the New Zealand Dollar is more appealing than the South African Rand, he will join what is becoming a fairly long list of South African players in the country. Kruger van Wyk, Grant Elliott, and Neil Wagner are among the South African-born players who have made careers in New Zealand. Unlike that trio, Viljoen may not be seeking qualification to represent the country. He is already 26 and would be 31 by 2021, when he would eligible to play for them.