The Easterns Titans franchise announced today that right-arm fast bowler Dale Steyn will be leaving the Nashua Titans with immediate effect.

Vincent Sinovich, Chairman of the Easterns Titans Board said: "8 years ago, Dale arrived at Northerns as a promising fast bowler and now leaves us as the No.1 ranked fast bowler. It is with much sadness that we say farewell to Dale. He has been a valuable contributor to the Titans set-up.”

Dale Steyn was educated at Merensky High School in Tzaneen. He attended the Limpopo Academy in 2002. The Northerns Cricket Academy coaches spotted his talent and recruited him to Pretoria. On his arrival late in 2002 he was registered with Eersterust Cricket Club and joined the Northerns Academy at the beginning of 2003.

When he began his career at Northerns, Dale was popularly known as “Sunshine” or “Phalaborwa Express.” The “Phalaborwa Express” played a major role in the success of the Nashua Titans in recent years. He leaves the Nashua Titans after winning a total of six trophies in the various domestic competitions.

In a distinguished international career, Dale who made his Test debut for South Africa in Port Elizabeth in December 2004 against England has taken 365 first class wickets. His ODI debut was at Centurion in the Afro-Asia Cup when he represented the African XI against an Asian XI in 2005. In 2005 he was offered a national contract by Cricket South Africa.

Dale who has been ranked No.1 on the ICC Test Bowler Ranking for some time was voted the 2008 ICC Test Cricketer of the Year and has received two nominations for the 2010 SA Cricket Awards (SA Cricketer of the Year and CSA Test Cricketer of the Year).

“It was an honour to play for the Nashua Titans for so many years and my decision to leave them is purely a lifestyle matter as I relocated to Cape Town two years ago. I wish to thank the players and management most sincerely for everything they have done for my career. I know that I can approach them again should my situation change in the future. I also wish to thank the fans for their support during my time at SuperSport Park.” said Steyn.

Elise Lombard, CEO of Easterns Titans said: “We are sorry to see Dale leave the Titans family. He is a fantastic player who has contributed so much to our franchise. We wish him continued success with the national team.