Pybus, arguably the most successful domestic coach in South Africa, quit his position under tense circumstances, despite winning the Supersport Series and T20 titles last season.

Odendaal praised Pybus' abilities as a coach but questioned his personality for the job. "Richard is a great coach but has a prickly character and I think that, at the end, he lost the support of part of the team, including most of the black players," Odendaal said.

"Richard is very intense and focused and likes to get his own way and shift the blame to others.

"There was a breakdown in the team, and various players came to chat to me. I felt I needed to intervene and bring the senior players together. I wasn't trying to undermine Richard but he was very inflexible and the lines of authority and accountability were not always followed."

Pybus chose not to comment. In an SMS to the Times Pybus said: "No future comment for the time being. On school holiday with the family."

Odendaal said failing to qualify for the lucrative Champions League T20 tournament was not the only reason behind Pybus' resignation, although it played a part.

The Champions League - featuring T20 champions from around the globe offers $200000 for first-round losers and $2.5-million to the eventual winners.