CRICKET SOUTH AFRICA CEO Gerald Majola announced on Wednesday that three additional national contracts have been awarded to bizhub Highveld Lions batsman Neil McKenzie, Chevrolet Warriors all-rounder Robin Peterson and Nashua Titans all-rounder Albie Morkel.

These will take effect on June 1, 2008, and will run through to April 30, 2009.

“Although the Proteas have recently completed their most successful season yet,” commented Mr Majola, “there is still room for improvement. In assessing the situation at the end of the 2007-08 season with National Coach Mickey Arthur and Convener of Selectors Joubert Strydom, it was agreed that there are some gaps that needed to be filled to meet the challenges of this coming season which includes competing against England and Australia plus the ICC Champions Trophy.

“After close examination of the talent available and the needs of the Proteas, it was felt that Neil, Albie and Robin would fill the identified gaps and should be drawn in as contracted players.

“It was also established that their inclusion as national contracted players would not infringe on the MOU with SACA (which allows for 15 contracted players), nor would it impact negatively on the revenue sharing process or on CSA finances.

“We are confident that they will add much value as CSA contracted players, and we look forward to the Proteas providing another highly successful season.”

All three players have represented the Proteas with distinction this season in either the Test or limited overs format of the game.

McKenzie, coming into the team in the second half of the season for Tests against the West Indies, Bangladesh and India, finished top of the batting averages (621 runs at 77.62) with two big centuries – 226 against Bangladesh and 155 not out against India.