Algeria's Saadane represents Africa's coaches alone

Algeria boss Rabah Saadane says he is representing 'all African coaches' as he prepares for the World Cup.

Saadane is the only local coach in charge of an African team in South Africa.

The hosts are led by a Brazilian; Nigeria and Ivory Coast are coached by Swedes; a Frenchman is in charge of Cameroon and Ghana's coach is Serbian.

"I think I'm representing all African coaches and the Arab world as well - it's a big responsibility," he said.

Sadaane was in charge the last time Algeria went to the World Cup, in 1986, and he is proud to have led the team to the finals - especially when so many of his counterparts are from overseas.

"It's a great satisfaction, though it's not something I really counted on," he said.

But he was reluctant to criticise national FAs who sign up foreign coaches for major tournaments.

"This is a matter for the directors and I don't want to give any advice to the directors," Saadane said.

"But I can tell you that in Africa there are plenty of coaches and trainers of great quality."

Algeria have started their pre-tournament training camp in Switzerland and play warm-up games against the Republic of Ireland and United Arab Emirates before heading to South Africa.

They are in Group C at the finals, along with England, USA and Slovenia.