TUNIS (Tunisia) - Tunisia on Saturday introduced Dirk Bauermann as the head coach of their men's national team. 

The 62-year-old German takes over from Mario Palma, whose contract expired in December 2019. Palma re-joined former Tunisian champions Club Africain.

WE ALL KNOW HOW DIFFICULT THAT WILL BE... AFRICAN BASKETBALL IS GETTING STRONGER AND STRONGER. WHEN YOU HAVE WON MEDALS EVERYBODY WANTS TO BEAT YOU. IT'S GOING TO BE CHALLENGING BUT I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO IT.- Dirk Bauermann

Bauermann has a long history in international basketball, having coached his country at three editions of the FIBA Basketball World Cup (1994, 2006 and 2010), he also masterminded Germany at four straight EuroBaskets from 2005 to 2011, he coached Poland at EuroBasket 2013 and his most recent national team job was at the helm of Iran in 2015.

The German play-caller arrived in Tunis Saturday, and is expected to lead the reigning African champions at the upcoming FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Split, Croatia, where they have been drawn in Group B  against the host country and Brazil. 

Talking to the local media, Bauermann expressed his gratitude for the opportunity: "I feel really honoured by the offer. It's always a great privilege to be the national team coach of a country because it's more than just about basketball. You represent the country with the team that you're coaching. To be the head coach of a great country of Tunisia is just a wonderful honour."

Bauermann continued: "I was very happy when the federation contacted me. I didn't have to think long.

"I have watched a number of games, winning the African Championships, qualifying for big international tournaments like the Olympics in 2012 and the World Cup last year. 

"We all know how difficult that will be... African basketball is getting stronger and stronger. When you have won medals before everybody wants to beat you. It's going to be challenging but I am looking forward to it."

Later in the year, Tunisia will open their qualification campaign for a place at next year's FIBA AfroBasket in Kigali, Rwanda. 

FIBA