The organisation had pinned their hopes on Steve Komphela as the "ideal" man for the job, but they have been stunned by his decision not to take up the position.

And Avusa Sports understands that Safa is now mulling over the appointment of a German technical director, who would come recommended and paid for by the German Football Association or DFB.

The appointment is said to be part of an exchange programme that exists between the two organisations.

Safa head of communications Dominic Chimhavi would not be drawn on the German link, but said that the national executive committee are desperate to fill the post, with few options in front of them.

"No other candidates have been identified at this stage and it is now about going back to the drawing board and the NEC discussing what options are available," Chimhavi said.

Komphela presented his vision to Safa for the national team head coach position. His presentation might have instead earmarked him as the perfect candidate for technical director job.

"When they saw Komphela's presentation they thought this was a godsend, it was perfect for the role of technical director and exactly what they wanted. They pinned all their hopes on him. At this stage there is no Plan B," Chimhavi said.

Safa want the new technical director to help create a national identity for all the South African national teams.

On top of this, the incumbent will be expected to come up with uniform coaching programmes to train up-and-coming stars throughout the country, a process that was started by former technical director Serame Letsoaka.

Letsoaka left the position last month when his contract ended.

Safa's exchange agreement with the DFB saw Michael Nees appointed to the same position in 2008.

But he was swiftly moved on to the role of Director of the Safa Coaching Education to accommodate Letsoaka after Fifa recommended that a local coach fill the role.