Former national star, Ralph Jean-Louis has been appointed as head coach of Seychelles senior national team on a two-year deal.

The Seychelles Football Federation (SFF) settled on the local favourite ahead of expatriates Frank Perry and Dominique Veilex after interviewing the applicants.

Elvis Chetty, president of the SFF said "Jean-Louis has all the necessary credentials which suited the job with his wide knowledge of local football. The federation will give him all the support as we did with all previous coaches so that our team can achieve the best results possible. We hope for a very good working relationship and would like to wish him all the best during his tenure".

It will be the second stint at the helm of the national team for Jean-Louis, who guided the Islanders to their finest hour, winning the ultimate at the Indian Ocean Games on home soil in 2011.

Since leaving the job, he has returned to club coaching and is now in charge of local champions, St. Michel FC.

The CAF License 'A' holder will remain with his club until the end of the year, combining the two jobs before taking full charge of the national team in 2016.

"I decided to apply again for this post because of my passion for coaching and love of football. I firmly believe I can help the national side to improve," said Jean-Louis.

The new coach has promised a fresh start opting for a blend of youth and experience in his squad, with his immediate task being the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Burundi next month.

"Every player will be given an opportunity to represent their country and the door will remain open for those who give their best and prove themselves in local competitions," explained Jean-Louis.

Jean-Louis commended caretaker coaches' Bruno Saindini and Rodney Choisy, who guided Seychelles to a 1-1 draw in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at home two weeks ago.

Jean-Louis has chosen Malagasy born Saindini to be his assistant along with Vivian Bothe, who he worked with during his first spell.