By David Gold
August 23 – Čedomir Janevski has been appointed coach of the Macedonian national team, just a month ahead of the start of their FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
Janevski (pictured top) replaces former Wales coach John Toshack, who quit his post last week.
The 51-year-old has previously coached the Macedonian under-21 team, as well as a range of clubs including Club Brugge, Olympiakos, Gent and Red Star Belgrade.
The country, which has never qualified for a major tournament since the breakup of former Yugoslavia, faces a tough task if it hopes to make it to Brazil 2014.
Macedonia were drawn in the same group as neighbours Serbia and Croatia, who will be favourites to take the top two spots in the section.
They also face Scotland, Wales and an extremely talented Belgium side.
Macedonia starts its qualifiers with a trip to Croatia next month before travelling to Scotland four days later.
“I will add two or three new players to the squad for the first two qualifiers against the Croatians and the Scots because we need to inject some fresh blood,” Janevski said.
“We are pressed for time and playing the first two games away against strong opponents is also not helpful because it is essential to make a good start in this tough group.
“Either way, we have to go for a win in every match and maybe the fact that I have coached clubs in Belgium and Serbia will make the scouting of these two teams somewhat easier.”
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