By Mohammed Allie BBC Sport, Cape Town

Houllier has emerged as the leading candidate for South Africa

Gerard Houllier has emerged as a leading candidate for the Bafana Bafana job even though he was not on the original shortlist.

This was revealed to BBC Sport, by former coach Ted Dumitru, now a member of the Safa technical committee that has been given the task of identifying the new national coach.

"Houllier was responsible for bringing through many of the players in the 1998 French team that won the World Cup," said Dumitru.

"I won't be surprised if he emerges as one of the top candidates."

The 58-year-old Frenchman and Brazilian legend Zico, who is currently in charge of Japan, have emerged as dark horses for the job following Safa's announcement of a shortlist of seven candidates.

Both Houllier and Zico were not on the original shortlist but were added after what Dumitru said "was important information we received on their previous records and experience."

The other five short-listed candidates are Carlos Alberto Parreira and Luiz Filipe Scolari, who guided Brazil to World Cup success in 1994 and 2002 respectively.

Frenchman Claude le Roy, who took Cameroon to the 1998 World Cup, as well as local coaches Gordon Igesund and Jomo Sono, are also under consideration.

Dumitru pointed out that it was important that all seven candidates had experience of working with African players and that the committee was happy with the type of football their teams play.

"We have to find a coach who will maximise the strengths and qualities of South African players which are mobility, sound ball technique, creativity and quick inter-passing."

He added that Safa hope to make contact with all seven candidates in the next two weeks to check on their availability and their financial demands.

"The coaches will then be required to make a presentation to the technical committee."

"Of course, there are a few who are involved with the World Cup so it may not be possible for them to come to South Africa - they may therefore use other means such as dvd's or videos to communicate their vision to us," said Dumitru.

If Dumitru is to be believed, the new coach will have to work with a local assistant - an issue that's been the root cause of deep resentment with many previous incumbents.

"We have to develop local coaches and that's non-negotiable."

"Besides, the local coaches will be able to help the new man settle into his job as he wouldn't know too much about the players and conditions here."