Douglas Hondo, the former Zimbabwe pace bowler, is in line to become the national team's assistant coach.

Hondo, who currently lives in the UK is back home to negotiate the deal. He quit the Zimbabwe team in February 2007 after refusing to comply with a board instruction to cut his dreadlocks.

Zimbabwe Cricket is looking for someone to support new head coach Walter Chawaguta and he has recommended Hondo to the board. Chawaguta said he needed to be helped by someone with a bowling background. The board has been paying for Hondo to undergo training in Australia.

However, sources have told Cricinfo that the board has told Hondo to apply for the post. "It's a bit odd because if you want your man you simply go and get him," the source said. "I'm not sure why they want him to apply."

Hondo played nine Tests and 56 ODIs for Zimbabwe between 2001 and 2005.