Who is new Harambee Stars coach, Ruud Krol?

Dutchman Ruud Krol is set to replace Paul Put as the new Harambee Stars coach.

Football Kenya Federation is set to unveil the former Dutch footballer, who was capped 83 times for his native country, in May, 2018.

Goal understands that a deal has already been struck between the federation and the former star, who in most of his career played for his home town club Ajax.

“We have reached a deal with Krol and he will be unveiled in the first week of May,” a source confirmed to Goal.

Krol, who mainly played as a sweeper or left back, will replace Belgian coach Paul Put, who resigned three months into his contract citing personal reasons. But who is Ruud Krol, the new Harambee Stars boss?

Rudi, as he is also known, is a retired Dutch footballer, who was capped 83 times for his native country.

The 69-year, who is considered one of the best Dutch defenders of all times, also played most of his club football with Ajax Amsterdam before venturing into full coaching after retirement.

During his playing career, Krol played mostly as a sweeper or left back, however, he could play anywhere across the back line, or in midfield as a defensive midfielder according to Wikipedia.

While most Kenyans may not remember much of Krol’s playing career, the new man at the helm of the ever demanding job at the national team, boosts of an impressive CV when it comes to coaching.

He has travelled quite a lot in Africa, coaching both Zamalek and Egyptian National Team and even had a stint with former Dennis Oliech’s club, AC Ajaccio in French League 2.

Krol has also worked under former Manchester United manager, Louis Van Gal as the assistant manager of the Netherlands national team. He also worked with former Everton and current Dutch national team coach, Ronald Koeman, whom he deputized at Ajax.

He was the manager of AC Ajaccio in France Ligue 2 from 2006 to 2007. He returned as manager of Egyptian giants Zamalek in August 2007.

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He had previously managed them from 1994 to 1999, winning the Egyptian Cup in 1999, the African Cup of Champions Clubs in 1996 and the Afro-Asian Club Championship 1997.

Krol's left Zamalek for South Africa where he signed a three year deal with Orlando Pirates with whom he won two South African cups and won the national league, all in his last year in charge of the team.

He won the Tunisian championship with CS Sfaxien, a job he held simultaneously with that of the Tunisia national team until he resigned in November, 2013.

During his stint with Sfaxien, Krol won the 2013 Caf Confederation Cup before he abruptly resigned from his duties as Sfaxien coach after the second leg of the final against TP Mazembe on November 30, 2013.

He quit as the national team interim coach following Tunisia's loss in the World Cup play-off before taking up a new job with Esperance in 2014.