The Ivory Coast Federation (FIF) have  appointed former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson as Ivory Coast national football teach coach to lead them at the South Africa 2010 World Cup this coming summer.

Ivory Coast fired  Vahid Halilhodzic after poor performance at the just ended 2010 Africa Cup of Nations and FIF said Eriksson have been appointed to ensure “honourable” participation in a World Cup competition.

"Aware of the great expectations of our population who have taken a keen interest in the matter, the executive committee focused its choice on Mr. Sven-Goran Eriksson," a statement released by the FIF reads.

The Swede led England to two World Cup quarterfinals and this competition may be tougher for him as Ivory Coast were along side with Brazil, Portugal and North Korea in Group G.

"The Swede has been, among others, coach of England and Mexico. He is an experienced technician who has been proven,: statement continues.

"His mission is to lead our team during this World Cup, and to ensure that there is an honourable participation in a competition reserved for the top 32 football nations in the world, and it obviously will be difficult.

"Therefore, the executive committee of the FIF appeals to the sacred union between the 'Elephants' and their coach."P

hoto courtesy: Fifa Updates