Allan Donald is still waiting on the results of the coaching qualification he needs to get a work permit in the UK, Kent Cricket have confirmed.

The former South African international bowler needs the Level 3 coaching badge in order to get the work permit.

He was due to join Kent as assistant coach for the 2017 season but only had the Level 2 qualification.

The 51-year-old subsequently spent part of the summer 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.

Ex-Australian fast bowler, Jason Gillespie, was brought in on a short-term contract instead but it has always been the county’s intention to get Donald in as assistant coach.

A spokesman for Kent Cricket confirmed he is still waiting on his results, which are understood to be released early this year.

However, Donald will still join up with the squad in January for their tour of the West Indies as he doesn’t need a work permit to work there.

Kent travel to the Caribbean later this month for the second successive year.

Two players in the squad have already been working with Donald in South Africa this winter in preparation for the new season.

Calum Haggett and Ivan Thomas have both been in Cape Town with Donald and Thomas has been bowling at the South African team as they prepare for their Test series with India.

Kent head coach Matt Walker revealed in September that he and Donald – who took 330 wickets in 72 Tests and 272 scalps in 164 one-day internationals – have been in regular contact and that the one-time Warwickshire bowler is looking forward to having more significant role with the club in 2018.

Donald has previously worked at Warwickshire and enjoyed spells with Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and England as well as coaching IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore.