Highlanders have reportedly not yet submitted the new Dutch head coach’s work permit papers .

Despite being handed the job towards the end of last year Erol Akbay was allegedly waiting for his papers to be sorted out.

However according to the Chronicle a support letter required as part of the work permit application from the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) was only obtained yesterday.

SRC spokesman Tirivashe Nheweyembwa told the Chronicle, “ We received Highlanders’ application today (yesterday)  and after receiving their support letter they can now approach the Immigration guys for a work permit.

The revelations explain how Akbay had no started work at Highlanders while Dynamos who also hired a foreigner had a permit within days after concluding terms with their coach.

The apparent slow progress the Highlanders executive has had on Akbay’s work permit means the Highlanders squad has started pre-season without their new coach.

Cosmas Zulu and Amini Soma Phiri have be in charge of pre-season and both have now indicated that they are willing to work with Akbay.