Mamelodi Sundowns have appointed former Sweden national team coach Erik Hamren as their technical director, the second South African club to bring in European expertise this week.
Following the appointment of Dutch national Rob Hutting at Kaizer Chiefs, Sundowns have appointed a coach with far more international profile to help implement modern methods at Chloorkop. Hamren will work with head coach Pitso Mosimane and the club's development structures to integrate their coaching philosophies.
The 60-year-old was in charge of Sweden between 2009 and 2016, qualifying the team for two European Championships, however he failed to get them to the World Cup in 2014.
He says he has been impressed by the ambition of Sundowns owner Patrice Motsepe and is eager for a new challenge in his career.
"When I was asked to come for an interview with Sundowns, I knew that it was one of the big clubs in South Africa and Africa," Hamren told reporters at his unveiling.
"When I got to the club, I met a lot of people here, including the president [Motsepe]. When I heard the president's ambition, I must say that I was really interested because it is an exciting challenge.
"He wants so much for this club. It's a challenge and I like challenges. I also think that the club can reach those heights. That's why I am here.
"With my knowledge and experience from Europe and the knowledge and experience the club has from Africa, I am sure that we are going to try to be as successful as the president wants. It's really important that we are doing this together.
"Football is about team work. I am really looking forward to working with coach Pitso and his team, all the coaches and the technical staff below the first team, because we are going to do this together."
Mosimane is a strong personality who has his own specific ideas on how the game should be played, and Hamren says his role will be to compliment this.
"I am going to be supporting and helping the coaches from the first team to the youth with my knowledge and experience, together with their knowledge and experience - especially with head coach Pitso - I am sure that it's going to be a really good [working relationship]," Hamren said.
"I am looking forward to learning more about South African football. I am going to start my job with big eyes watching and big ears listening. I will get to know the club more."