The South Africa cricket team photographed during the ‘Rebel Tour’ by England in Johannesburg in March 1982. Back row, left to right: Jimmy Cook, Ray Jennings, Steven Jefferies, Alan Kourie, Kevin McKenzie and Garth le Roux. Front row, left to right: Peter Kirsten, Barry Richards, Graeme Pollock, Mike Procter (captain), Ronnie Ericson (manager), Clive Rice and Vintcent van der Bijl.
Wessel Oosthuizen/Gallo Images
- Former Transvaal cricketer Kevin McKenzie died at the age of 77 on Saturday.
- McKenzie was a member of the dominant Transvaal “Mean Machine” of the late 1970s and 1980s.
- His son, Neil McKenzie, is a former Proteas batsman.
- For more cricket news, visit our dedicated section.
Legendary former Transvaal cricketer Kevin McKenzie died suddenly at the age of 77 on Saturday.
McKenzie was a prolific batsman who played 133 first class matches, scoring 6 756 runs at an average of 36.51.
He also played 95 List A one-day games, scoring 1 742 runs at 28.55.
McKenzie was schooled at King Edward VII School in Johannesburg and played SA Schools cricket in 1967.
He would go on to play provincial cricket between the 1966/67 and 1986/87 seasons.
He was a member of the dominant Transvaal team that won several Currie Cups in the late 1970s and 1980s – a feat that earned them the nickname “Mean Machine”.
Led by all-rounder Clive Rice, Transvaal won seven Currie Cup titles between 1978 and 1988.
They also won seven Datsun/Nissan Shield limited-overs competitions in an eight-year span between 1978 and 1986.
Due to South Africa’s isolation during apartheid, McKenzie never played an official match for his country. But he did feature in seven unofficial “Test matches” as part of rebel tours to these shores.
Kevin McKenzie in 1982.
Wessel oosthuizen/Gallo Images
McKenzie’s son, Neil, is a former Proteas batsman who played 58 Tests and 64 ODIs for South Africa.
Tributes flocked in on social media for McKenzie, with former Transvaal team-mate Vince van der Bijl saying he was devastated by the news. It is believed that McKenzie collapsed on the golf course on Saturday.
“The news of Kevin McKenzie’s sudden passing on the golf course today has devastated all those who were lucky enough to know him. Simply, he was loved by all. And by that I mean everyone who knew him, played with and against him in all sports or simply had one drink with him. We send our prayers to Wilma and all their special family,” Van der Bijl wrote.
Renowned coach Dave Nosworthy said McKenzie was “one of the best hookers and pullers” of a cricket ball.
McKenzie’s former school also shared its condolences, describing him as a “legend whose impact and presence will never be forgotten”.
We are very sorry to let you all know of the sudden passing of Kevin McKenzie, Class of 1966 this morning. Our thoughts & prayers are with the McKenzie family during this incredibly difficult time. A legend whose impact & presence will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/YI9qU5f0zI
— King Edward Educational Trust (@InfoKeet) May 9, 2026
