South Africa chief wants Eriksson

Z_Ho

The chief executive of the 2010 World Cup believes England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson would be an ideal candidate to manage the host nation South Africa.

The South African team are in a major rebuilding phase and Danny Jordaan has been impressed with Eriksson's record of bringing through young players.

"Sven has overseen the emergence of young players" Jordaan told BBC Sport.

"That sort of attitude would be important when building a new team for South Africa."

Jordaan added that Eriksson's skills would be well suited to the challenge of rejuvenating the South Africa team.

"England have moved away from the idea that if David Beckham isn't available or Paul Scholes retires then the team is in trouble," said Jordaan.

"There's more depth and balance to the England team - whatever's said about Eriksson, young players now have a permanent place in the squad and that sort of attitude would be important when building a new team for South Africa."

Eriksson will step down as England coach following this summer's World Cup in Germany.

Bafana Bafana failed to win a point at the African Cup of Nations in Egypt and there are concerns in South Africa that they could become the first host nation to fail to reach the second round at a World Cup.

"Our performance in Egypt was miserable," added Jordaan.

"We now need a strong plan and a coach who's been to the World Cup and understands the dynamics of the tournament.

"He must also start in 2006 to give him time to oversee the technical development of our football over the next four years."

South Korea's decision to hire Guus Hiddink and pay him a large salary in similar circumstances was rewarded with a semi-final place four years ago.

Eriksson earns in the region of £4m a year but Jordaan doesn't think money should be an issue.

"The question is can we afford not to afford the best possible coach? It would be a footballing disaster if South Africa fail in 2010," added Jordaan.

"The performance of the host nation determines how the people embrace the whole event."

"We can build the finest stadiums but people come to watch the football, not to admire the architecture. I don't think the size of a salary is a consideration."