David Wiese, an international all-rounder who has been at the heart of the Titans’ revival the past three seasons, has signed a Kolpak-agreement with Sussex.

Wiese has represented South Africa in 26 limited-format matches. Consequently, the hard-hitting middle-order sensation and wily seam bowler will no longer be available for South Africa in T20s and One Day Internationals.

However, Jacques Faul, chief executive officer of the Titans confirmed that Wiese will still ply his trade for the local franchise.

“David’s decision to sign a Kolpak-deal for Sussex is indeed a sad day for us at the franchise and for South Africa,” said Faul.

“It is sad because we obviously pride ourselves in being a successful conveyor belt for international players. South Africa is losing the services of a match-winning all-rounder whose tremendous straight hitting and masterful change of pace makes him an asset to any team,” Faul continued.

“Yet, we are indebted to David because he has been very frank with us from the start, and he has handled the whole process with professionalism and integrity. He has also committed himself to represent the Titans for the rest of his career. He is a whole-hearted performer and a dedicated human being who commands the utmost respect,” Faul said.

You don’t need to be a master statistician to reminisce about all Wiese’s match-winning exploits for the Titans. This season, he averaged 59.50 in the CSA T20 Challenge and made several telling contributions with bat and ball that proved to be decisive. In the 2014/2015-season, he averaged 91.00 with the bat in the One Day Cup campaign and the Titans won the series. It was his phenomenal onslaught in the semi-final play-off against the Dolphins that turned almost-certain disaster into ecstasy.

Two seasons ago, Wiese struck 107 and captured 6-58 against the Knights in a first-class game, just to underline his undoubted class.

Two of his greatest highlights were representing South Africa in the T20 World Cup last season, as well as taking 5-23 in South Africa’s T20-match against the West Indies in Durban in 2015.

“We wish David a very successful Kolpak-career for Sussex and trust that he will be a proud flag-bearer of South Africa and the Titans,” Faul concluded.