JUBA, March 5 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan's newly appointed head coach Ahcene Ait-Abdelmelek on Monday pledged to improve soccer in the world's youngest nation.
The South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) last week appointed the German-born Algerian as head coach of the Bright Stars.
The Algerian tactician succeeded interim manager Bilal Felix after signing a one-year-deal.
Abdelmelek told reporters on Monday, "I am glad for the accommodation and appointment as the new coach and I am committed to work for the people of South Sudan."
"I am confident to offer all my knowledge and skills to improve the football team in South Sudan," he added.
Abdelmelek's major task will be preparing for the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Mali in September.
Abdelmalek previously coached the Burundi national team, Mali's Club Djoliba AC as well as clubs in Europe.
He becomes South Sudan's fourth foreign coach after South Korea's Lee Sung-Jea, Serbian Zoran Dordevic and Uganda's Leo Adraa. Enditem
