Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Former Proteas fast bowler Allan Donald has finally been granted his UK work permit which will allow him to take up the role of assistant coach of English county Kent.
Donald was due to join Kent as assistant coach for the 2017 season but only had a Level 2 coaching qualification.
The 51-year-old subsequently spent last season working with Sri Lanka’s Champions Trophy squad - a role he was able to fulfil because visa requirements only apply to employers in the UK.
According to the Kent Online website, he has now gained the qualification he needs and can take up the role.
Donald is currently with the Kent squad in Antigua as they take part in the West Indies Super 50 one day competition, which starts on Wednesday.
“It’s a great opportunity for the lads to work outside at this time of year. There’s no substitute for playing outdoors against quality opposition,” Donald told Kent Cricket’s official website.
“We’ve already faced the likes of Chris Gayle and Andre Russell in the Jamaica squad. They mean business and that’s fantastic for us to play against players of that calibre and experience.
“The Sir Vivian Richards Stadium is a good ground with decent nets where we’ll play most of our group games and The Coolidge Ground is looking better all the time.”
After spells working with the England, New Zealand and South Africa national teams as well as the Indian Premier League (IPL), Donald is delighted to be back in county cricket where he won County Championship trophies with Warwickshire as a player and coach.
“It was a frustrating time waiting for my work permit to take up the role but I suppose everything happens for a reason and I am delighted to be here now,” Donald added.
“I’ve been privileged to work with some amazing people in international cricket and the IPL so I hope can pass on some of my experiences to the lads here at Kent.”
During his international career, Donald played 72 Tests and 164 ODIs.
He took 330 Test wickets at an average of 22.25 and 272 ODI wickets at 21.78.
