The struggling Proteas leg-spinner has re-signed with the Dolphins, along with former Knights off-spinner Thandi Tshabalala.

Tahir will rejoin the Durban-based franchise for the 2014-15 season, following two seasons with the Highveld Lions.

His move was prompted by a desire to be near his family. As a contracted Proteas player, Tahir is free to choose which franchise he will represent, and has decided to move back to Durban, where his wife and child are located.

‘Family is important. I’ve been away from my wife and kid a lot. My son is four months old and I’ve been away from him for three months, which is not fair on him.’

When the move was announced on Monday, Tahir spoke of his excitement at being back with the Dolphins. ‘When I was here in the past I had a great time. It’s another challenge and I’m sure I can help the team to do well.’

The Dolphins won their first outright title since 2001 last season, claiming the 2014 Domestic T20 Challenge trophy after beating the Cobras in the final at Newlands. Tahir spoke of his desire to add more silverware to the cabinet at Kingsmead.

‘Hopefully we can win another title this year and more. It’s going to be hard work, but I’m here to succeed and hopefully we can do that as a team.’

Tshabalala joins the Dolphins after three years in the cricketing wilderness. He last played first-class cricket back in 2011, for the Knights, and has been playing amateur and club cricket in Johannesburg for the past few years.

He will have to undergo a fitness test upon his arrival in Durban, and should that be successful it will mark a remarkable career turnaround for the off-break bowler, who played four ODIs for the Proteas back in 2007. If he shows form, he will most likely be used as the Dolphins’ preferred spin option when Tahir is doing duty with South Africa.

Photo: Sabelo Mngoma/Backpagepix