Kasperczak (l) in his playing days for Poland

Polish-born Kasperczak helped the eastern Europeans win bronze at the 1974 World Cup and was also in the side during the 1978 World Cup and 1976 Olympic Games.

But Kasperczak, who has 20-years coaching experience, has also felt the rough end of the stick as is common with African teams and coaches - he was sacked in Morocco and Tunisia.

After his appointment in February last year, the Moroccan soccer federation fired him in October for a string of poor results, including a 2-0 defeat against minnows Gabon.

Kasperczak wasn't spared either by the Tunisians who he took to the '98 World Cup finals - winning five matches in a trot and qualifying from a group which included fierce North African neighbours Egypt.

Two defeats by Colombia and England during the first round group matches at the 1998 World Cup in France prompted his dismissal in the middle of the tournament.

He had been in the job for three and a half years.

Ironically, he helped Poland defeat Tunisia 1-0 at the 1978 World Cup.

His Tunisian downfall was the result of differences over strategy. While Kasperczak instructed his team to emphasize defensive tactics, several players questioned his plan and urged an attacking game.

With Mali, Kasperczak will be under pressure from the home fans to produce results at the 2002 Nations' Cup.