Cape Town - English cricket county Kent are reportedly on the lookout for an interim replacement for Allan Donald after the former Proteas fast bowler was denied a visa.
Donald was appointed as assistant to new head coach Matt Walker in January.
Last month a report in The Times suggested that the former fast bowler was facing a delay in obtaining the necessary paperwork as he did not hold the correct coaching qualifications - the English Cricket Board (ECB) criteria of a Level 3 coaching qualification.
Kent were hopeful that they could resolve the situation and have Donald on board before their players report back for pre-season training.
However, the complications mean that the former Proteas bowler will likely miss the start of the One-Day Cup season, which starts on Thursday, April 27 against Hampshire in Canterbury.
According to Kent Online, the English county franchise are currently weighing-up whether to appeal the ECB ruling or try to fast-track Donald through the remainder of the qualification, which he has already been working towards, a process which could take months.
There have been reports that former Australian bowler Jason Gillespie is set to fill in the position of interim assistant coach until Donald's visa issue is resolved.
Donald, who was one of the greatest fast bowlers of his generation, had spells as a player in English cricket with Warwickshire and Worcestershire.
The 50-year-old has also served as bowling coach to the New Zealand, South Africa and England national teams.
Donald played 72 Tests and took 330 wickets, and played 164 ODIs for the Proteas with 272 wickets.
Very excited to have signed up with @kentcricket and I look forward to be working closely with @mattwalker275 during the next two years!!
— Allan Donald (@AllanDonald33) January 5, 2017