Iranian Basketball Federation has confirmed that Slovenian coach Memi Becirovic has been appointed as the new coach of the national team. 

 

Becirovic replaced Serbian Veselin Matic, who was sacked after the team finished fifth in the last Asian Championship held in Wuhan, China.

 

The 52-year-old Slovenian will start his work in April. Iran is gearing up to book a berth in the London Olympics and 2014 World Cup in Spain. 

 

Becirovic, father of Slovenian international Sani Becirovic (player of Benetton), coached Slovenia in the 2010 World Cup in Turkey, leading the team to the quarterfinals and finally finished eighth with the team.

 

"I accepted an offer from the Iranian basketball federation. Iran has good conditions. From now, we are fighting for the top spot in Asia. Iran has played in the World Championships and Olympics. Basketball in Asia has developed,” Becirovic said. 

 

Memi Becirovic has coached ten teams in Slovenia, Italy, Ukraine, and Belgium in his 132-year coaching career.