Ford turned down the chance to coach India to stay at Kent

Kent's director of cricket Graham Ford is confident Justin Kemp will be able to play for the county this season.

Kemp is appealing against the England and Wales Cricket Board's decision to refuse him registration after he played in the rebel Indian Cricket League.

The South African batsman had signed a two-year Kolpak deal for the club.

Ford told BBC Radio Kent: "Looking at Justin's case I'm reasonably optimistic the decision will go our way - I'm really hopeful."

He added: "He's a guy that can add a lot to our camp. He's an experienced cricketer and brings more to the camp than what he can do with the bat and ball."

Kemp has played four tests and 85 one-day internationals for South Africa. He was one of five cricketers to be refused registration for playing in the ICL.

The others are Wavell Hinds, Johannes van der Wath, Andrew Hall and Hamish Marshall.