Former South Africa fast bowler Fanie de Villiers says he doesn’t believe the reasons Allan Donald gave for quitting as bowling coach of the South African cricket team.

Donald confirmed his decision to step down from the team management in a press statement on Tuesday.

The 48 year-old said it was ‘the right time to move on’.

Donald told Netwerk24 from India, where he is currently serving as the bowling coach of the Royal Challengers Bangalore, that he wants to spend more time with his family. He also said he doesn’t have any job offers at the moment.

De Villiers, however, doesn’t buy it.

‘It wouldn’t surprise me at all if there was a deeper reason behind his decision,’ he said. ‘Allan would have made a lot of money as bowling coach of the national team and I don’t think you just turn your back on that kind of money.

‘There will obviously be questions about the World Cup and whether the alleged SMS controversy surrounding Vernon Philander played a role. Maybe some of the players wanted him gone? Could politics have played a role with Charl Langeveldt brought into the set-up before the World Cup to help with the bowling?’ asked De Villiers.

‘It just seems strange to me that Allan would suddenly make a decision like this.’

With regards to Donald’s replacement, De Villiers said it will have to be someone with the necessary skills and who has the respect of the players.

‘I don’t know if there are any obvious choices,’ said De Villiers.

Langeveldt is probably the favourite to get the job, although he was reportedly also caught off-guard by Donald’s sudden resignation.

Makhaya Ntini could also be looked at in an effort to include an ethnic black member on the coaching staff.

Meanwhile, Pat Symcox told EWN that Lance Klusener would be the perfect candidate for the job of bowling coach.

‘It’s not necessary that the guy must be homegrown. For me, I just want the best coach to join the team and one that comes to mind that we can use more is Lance Klusener. I think that he was a bowler, essentially he will add real value to the team.’

He said Cricket South Africa should broaden their search and look at candidates abroad.

‘If you talking about the perfect guy for the job then really why won’t you be looking around the world, as opposed to just South Africa?’

Symcox believes Klusener must be roped in given the work he has done with the Dolphins.

‘You know himself as a good fast bowler; he has done some good job at the Dolphins. Who knows maybe he wants to put his name in the hat, I’m not sure.’