SKOPJE (EuroBasket 2015) - The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (MKD) are, as of Wednesday, 45 days prior to the start of EuroBasket 2015, in search of a head coach to steer their national team into the big tournament.

The process commenced immediately after The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Basketball Federation (MKF) decided to terminate prematurely their collaboration with Serbian coach Aleksandar Dzikic, who had been at the helm of the team since December 2013.

"The MKF Board convened urgently and decided unanimously to dismiss Aleksandar Dzikic from the role of national team head coach," an MKF official statement published on Wednesday read.

"The contract is disrupted because of a loss of confidence and co-operation between the coach and the authorities of the Federation.

"We thank Mr Dzikic for his past work with the national team."

Dzikic had taken the reins of the MKD national team three months after they had suffered an early exit in the First Round of EuroBasket 2013, replacing Slovenian coach Ales Pipan in the role.

The 43-year-old Serbian tactician's immediate step last summer was to put together a rejuvenated MKD side that would enter the race in the 2nd Qualification Round for a berth at EuroBasket 2015.

The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia finished second in their group, behind Belgium but ahead of Belarus and Denmark, to fulfil that mission.

The MKF is expected to announce the name of Dzikic's successor soon, as the preliminary squad was scheduled to gather this coming weekend for medical tests in capital Skopje, with training camp commencing on Monday.

The team will play in Group B at EuroBasket 2015, and therefore clash with Georgia, Netherlands, Greece, Slovenia and hosts Croatia in Zagreb, aiming at a top-four finish in the group, which grants access to the Final Phase.

Go to eurobasket2015.org for complete coverage of EuroBasket 2015.

FIBA