Former South Africa’s Bafana Bafana mentor Carlos Queiroz has for the first time spoken about his appointment as Egypt coach.

The former Manchester United assistant manager said he was honoured to accept the challenge of coaching the Pharaohs.

“It is with pride, gratitude, and ambition that I accept the honorable invitation from the Egyptian FA to be the National Team Coach,” he tweeted on @Carlos_Quieroz.

“I want to express my commitment to use the best of my experience and knowledge to fulfil the goals and dreams of such a prestigious Football Country with passionate and dedicated supporters.”

On Wednesday, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) named Queiroz as the new coach for Egypt, replacing Hossam El-Badry who was sacked last week.

The Pharaohs record-breaking custodian Essam El-Hadary has since been appointed goalkeeper coach to work under Queiroz. 

A statement from EFA reads: The Egyptian Football Association, headed by Ahmed Megahed, decided in its extended meeting to appoint the technical staff of the first national team as follows: Portuguese Carlos Queiroz as technical director, Diaa El-Sayed, general coach, Mohamed Shawky, coach,  Essam El-Hadary, as goalkeeper coach 

“It includes a foreign assistant, a performance analyst and a rehabilitation specialist, and Queiroz will arrive at the end of next week, while the administrative, medical and auxiliary devices will be completed during the next meeting.”

Queiroz will join the Pharaohs midway through the World Cup qualifiers stepping in the shoes of Hossam El-Badry who was fired after the 1-1 away draw with Gabon.

Queiroz has strong roots in Africa having been born in Mozambique but grew up in Portugal.

Egypt had started the World Cup qualifiers with a win over Angola.