Cape Town - Italian coach Fabio Lopez has come out and said that he wants a job in South Africa, saying the football in the country is at a "very good level".

Lopez started out as a youth coach at Serie A side AS Roma while he also had stints as head of scouting at other top clubs in Italy such as Atalanta and Fiorentina.

The 45-year-old then branched out and coached in Lithuania and Asia and now wants a new challenge in Africa, particularly South Africa.

Lopez told KickOff: "I want to coach in South Africa, because I think the football in the country is at a very good level.

"From what I've researched and understand, the potential of the South African footballers are very high, my knowledge and style of football suits this and I can bring positive results.

"What I'm attracted most about it the impressive fitness levels of the plays and with my philosophy of football, I know it will be well suited."

Lopez stated that he has been following the PSL for a while and is impressed with the level of play that he has seen.

The Italian mentor added: "I've watched results and games for a while in the PSL, as I follow football across the world - but yes I see potential and the fan atmosphere in the biggest games like with Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates really impressed me.

"I am just keen to bring new ideas, to see my tactical knowledge I've acquired over the world mix with the potential of physically and technically gifted footballers."