The vacant Bafana Bafana head coach's position is expected to be officially advertised, and possibly finalised by August, according to SA Football Association (Safa) vice-president Mwelo Nonkonyana.
The post opened up following the sacking of Pitso Mosimane on Monday night, with assistant coach Steve Komphela taking over on an interim basis.
“We are going to advertise the post, possibly as early as next week, and see all interested candidates,” Nonkonyana said on Wednesday.
“We are looking for a coach that could take South Africa to the next level.
“The person must have a vision and be able to work with other South African coaches.”
Safa, however, will take recommendations from their technical committee, chaired by the association's national executive member, Fanyana Sibanyoni.
The committee also includes former Bafana coaches Clive Barker and Ted Dumitru, as well as SA Under-17 coach Simon Ngomane.
They are expected to meet early next week to fast track the process.
“They will come out with a certain criteria and then we will advertise the position,” Nonkonyana said.
“The decisions and recommendations must be theirs.”
While the new coach would definitely not be a foreigner, according to Dumitru, the committee would have to finalise whether they wanted a short- or long-term appointment.
The names of Komphela, Gordon Igesund and Gavin Hunt have been bandied about as favourites to take over.
Igesund, though, is current hot property after turning modest Moroka Swallows into a championship fighting outfit this past season.
“There is still information to be gathered, but we need someone to continue with the team and get the results that we need,” Dumitru said.
“There are two ways Ä a short term for a quick solution or a longer term that can be five years.
“There is going to be a shortlist so it will not be fair to speculate right now.”
The new coach is expected to start off with home and away friendly internationals earmarked for September, before playing Euro 2012 co-hosts Poland away in October.
Bafana then face African champions Zambia in the Nelson Mandela Challenge in November.
They will also host the Africa Cup of Nations in January. – Sapa