Former Transvaal batsman Moosa Mangera dies

Former Transvaal batsman Moosa Mangera has died at the age of 67 in Johannesburg after battling cancer. He played 29 first-class matches, scoring 952 runs and taking 40 wickets in an 18-year cricket career that came to an end in 1989.

Moosa was known for his athleticism, was nicknamed 'monkey', and besides cricket he represented Transvaal in football and athletics. He was their wicketkeeper for a couple of seasons, before earning a reputation as an energetic fielder.

He played some memorable knocks for his side, including one in a crucial match against Natal in which he hurt himself, top-edging a bouncer on to his face. He was rushed off the field, but he returned with a swollen eye to score a half-century and set up a win.

"This is sad news indeed," Cricket South Africa (CSA) acting CEO Jacques Faul said. "He was a multi-talented sportsman who would surely have gained international honours in at least one of the codes at which he excelled had he had the opportunity.

"More than that he was one of the characters who make cricket such a special game. On behalf of the CSA Family I extend condolences to his family and friends."