Saad Gaddafi, son of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, claims he will be the leader of African football in the next five years.

Gaddafi also says that Libya have a strong chance to stage the 2010 World Cup finals.

I'm sure I'll be sitting firmly on the seat Saad Gaddafi

The 28-year-old Gaddafi's claim that he could be the next president of the Confederation of African Football is the first confirmation that he is ready to challenge Issa Hayatou for the leadership.

The football-playing son of Libya's leader said: "I'm ready to take the CAF presidency within the next five years.

"I'm sure I'll be sitting firmly on the seat.

"I believe I can put all my experience and international relations at the disposal of the CAF and the game of football in general," he told Saudi Arabian newspaper Okaz.

Gaddafi also claimed Libya are mounting a strong challenge for the right to be Africa's first Word Cup hosts in 2010.

Gaddafi is ready to challenge CAF president Issa Hayatou

He said: "Our chances are almost equal to those of South Africa.

"They boast a more convincing bidding file but in the next few years I expect Libya can maintain their serious commitment to mount a serious challenge.

"I hope that with the overwhelming support of the political apparatus in my country, and the broad network of friendly relationships we enjoy throughout Africa, Libya will emerge as the main bidder to host the competition.

Saad Gaddafi is president of the Libyan Football Association, owns his own club, Al Ittihad, and occasionally plays for the national team.

He also sought to improve his international profile by buying a stake in Italian giants Juventus.

But he will not have improved his image with the sacking and subsequent reinstatement of Libya's Italian coach Francesco Scoglio.

Despite three successive wins, Scoglio was fired by Saad Gaddafi for "poor results."

Scoglio claimed he was sacked for his refusal to pick Gaddafi in the team.