Ottoman Cricket Club have lost the services of spinner Siya Simetu ahead of 2017-18’s challenging Western Province Cricket Association premier league campaign.
Simetu has joined the University of the Western Cape Cricket Club in a move described as a “big blow” by former Ottoman Cricket Club team-mate Muneer Holmes.
Journeyman Simetu had previously played for Pinelands Cricket Club and Old Mutual Cricket Club. The 25-year-old left-armer has earned 34 first-class caps, the last of which came for the Cape Cobras in December 2015 and South Western Districts in January 2016.
The University of the Western Cape Cricket Club finished in sixth position in 2016-17’s 10-team premier league, after five wins in nine attempts.
Ottoman Cricket Club, meanwhile, have hired former first-class batsman Hassan Pangarker as head coach.
The 48-year-old Pangarkar, who played 26 first-class and five List A fixture for Western Province between 1991 and 2000, will succeed the outgoing Wasfee Samsodien.