Brian Kerr has failed to make the short list for the job of South African coach, according to local footballing sources.
The former Republic of Ireland manager was among 43 formal applicants for the top post with the host nation for the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
But the Dubliner's relative inexperience, coupled with his lack of success, at senior international level has reportedly not impressed the South African Football Association (SAFA).
The sporting body has confirmed a dozen names have been shortlisted for interview, with the emphasis on tournament experience at the highest level.
According to local reports, the leading contender is current Brazil coach Carlos Parreira, who won the World Cup in 1994, when Brazil beat Italy in a penalty shoot-out.
Others on a short list printed by the Johannesburg-based Sunday Times, are Sven-Goran Eriksson, Guus Hiddink, Barcelona's Frank Rijkaard and Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari.
A number of African coaches are also under consideration, including local legend Jomo "The Black Prince" Sono, and former Nigerian international Stephen Keshi, who helped Togo to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in the country's history.
However, the SAFA have signalled their desire to look overseas first and are putting together a lucrative financial package to lure a major international figure to South Africa.
Banafa Banafa, or "The Boys", as the national team are known, have failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, and under caretaker boss, Romanian Ted Dumitru, performed dismally at the recent African Nations Cup, failing to win a point or even score a goal.
