The Cheetahs look set to lose the services of forwards coach Corniel van Zyl to English club London Irish.
According to Rapport newspaper, negotiations between the 41-year-old and the Premiership club are at an advanced stage and it is just a matter of time before he puts pen to paper.
While Van Zyl had extended his contract with the Cheetahs in June until 2022, the franchise's PRO14 exit and uncertainty surrounding their future played a role in his decision.
Van Zyl told the Afrikaans publication that London Irish had made him an attractive long-term offer that "I am considering for the sake of my family".
The Cheetahs said they would consider releasing Van Zyl if a transfer fee could be agreed upon.
Van Zyl's departure follows the loss of several players,.
A recent report indicated that flyhalf Tian Schoeman and hooker Reinach Venter will further their careers in Europe next month.
Schoeman will be available for the Cheetahs until the end of December before he is expected to join Bath in England, while Venter will leave in mid-December with Clermont Auvergne in France his likely destination.
Other players confirmed to leave include prop Luan de Bruin, who said the uncertainty regarding the franchise's future was the reason he joined the Leicester Tigers in England. He will join up with his former Cheetahs team-mate Jasper Wiese at Welford Road.
The Cheetahs lost Wiese, lock Walt Steenkamp (Bulls) and centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg (NEC Green Rockets, Japan) at the end of October, while lock JP du Preez also recently joined Sale Sharks in England.
- Compiled by Sport24 staff