THE Chinese Football Association (CFA) announced yesterday that it reappointed former men’s national team head coach Gao Hongbo on an interim basis.

    “Gao will take charge of the national team for the next two World Cup qualifiers,” the CFA said in a statement.

    China’s next match is March 24 at home against the Maldives, which it defeated 3-0 in September. The side will host Qatar on March 29.

    In a brief statement on the CFA website, they stated that they would remain prudent in their search for a manager, taking into account the development of the Chinese sport.

    Gao, 50, was the head coach of the Chinese national team between 2009 and 2011. Under his reign, China won 23, drew 11 and lost four games. But he was fired less than one month before the 2014 World Cup qualifiers in 2011.

    Gao’s successor Jose Antonio Camacho failed to work miracles in China. Under the Spaniard, China had a 7-2-11 record.

    Frenchman Alain Perrin was hired in February 2015 after a lengthy search to replace Camacho.

    Gao had most recently been employed as assistant manager at Dutch side ADO Den Haag.

    His chances of retaining the job on a permanent basis remain unknown, with the country’s current position in World Cup qualifying progress to the next round is unlikely.(SD News)