Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett has turned down the opportunity to be part of the panel which assists in appointing the next Kings coach.

Mallett was earmarked for a role on the seven-man panel, which was finalised by the Kings board on Tuesday.

However, after being accused of racism in a social media post by Kings board member and EPRU deputy president Bantwini Matika, Mallett declined the invitation.

ALSO READ: Kings, EPRU collide over Matika

The panel will be headed by Kings chairman Loyiso Dotwana and high-performance manager Robbie Kempson and includes former Kwaru player, respected commentator and EPRU board member Makhaya Jack as well as former Junior Springbok captain Kaunda Ntunja.

The committee will now sift through the applications received for the role and shortlist the candidates that meet the criteria.

The shortlisted candidates will then undergo a thorough interviewing process and the panel will make their recommendations to the board, who will then make the final decision on the appointment of the new head coach.

‘We have put together a group of knowledgeable and qualified members who are familiar with the ambitious plans of the Board to make the ISUZU Southern Kings a winning team,’ Dotwana said.

‘The board was united in its approval of this panel and look forward to their recommendations after the conclusion of an in-depth interviewing process to find the best-suited candidate for the head coach position.’

Kings panel:

Loyiso Dotwana (Kings chairman)
Robbie Kempson (Director of High Performance)
Odwa Mtati (Enterprise Development Specialist)
Makhaya Jack (EPRU Board Member)
Kaunda Ntunja (SuperSport rugby commentator and former Junior Springbok captain)
Anthony Heugh (World Rugby Coaching Educator)
Glen Zamisa(Human Resources Specialist)

Photo: Gallo Images