Sven-Goran Eriksson is being targeted by South Africa to coach the side when they host the 2010 World Cup.

Eriksson is stepping down as England head coach after this summer's World Cup finals, and Danny Jordaan, 2010's chief executive, believes he would be ideal for South Africa.

Jordaan told BBC Sport: "Sven has overseen the emergence of young players and that sort of attitude would be important when building a new team for South Africa.

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

"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."

South Africa had a disastrous African Nations Cup in January, failing to win a single point, and they have parted company with interim coach Ted Dumitru.

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

Jordaan insists 58-year-old Eriksson's salary should not be a deterrent — the Swede earnings for England have been around £4 million sterling (€5.8 million) a year.

"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," said Jordaan.