• Titans sign Simon Harmer for CSA T20

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    The Titans have secured the services of former Kolpak player Simon Harmer for the upcoming Cricket South Africa T20 Challenge.

    The move comes as part of the off-spinner’s ambitions to play cricket for the Proteas again, following a very successful couple of seasons at County Championship side Essex.

    Harmer, who used to play for the Warriors in his earlier days, inspired Essex to two Championship titles in three years but is now open for a return following the change in Kolpak rules due to Brexit.

    READ: The Kolpak conundrum

    ‘I still have massive desire to play cricket in South Africa, so I was trying to find some cricket,’ Harmer said in a statement released by the Titans.

    ‘I knocked on every door, and the Titans jumped at it. It’s really come full circle. The Titans have backed me, I feel very welcome, and I am really excited for what is to come.’

    The 32-year-old joins Kyle Abbott, who also recently joined the Pretoria outfit under similar circumstances, and Chris Morris as new recruits.

    With the T20 World Cup scheduled to take place at the end of the year, the idea is to give all franchise players the opportunity the earn their spot in the Proteas squad.

    ‘There are quite a few young spinners here that I want to work with. When I first started at the Warriors, Johan Botha and Nicky Boje showed me the ropes. I want to help here as much as I can, as a sounding board, and hopefully throw a few ideas around,’ Harmer added.

    Titans head coach Mandla Mashimby is also thrilled to have someone with the experience of Harmer in his set-up.

    ‘He is someone I used to hate to play against, because you knew he was always in the game. He has a high level of skill, and a lot of knowledge. For me, he is arguably the best spinner in the world at the moment, so it is great to have him here,’ explained Mashimbyi.

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    Andre Huisamen