Michael Oti Adjei BBC Sport, Accra

Middendorp, who is no stranger in Ghana, is renowned in the country for laying the foundations for Asante Kotoko's league success in the 2003 season.

The German coach has been presented officially today but no financial terms were disclosed at the press conference in Accra.

The German replaces Herbert Addo, who was dismissed last week.

Middendorp will go straight to work next weekend when Hearts will begin their African Champions League campaign against Stade Malien on March 7.

Stade had knocked out Hearts in a previous meeting between the sides in the first round two years ago in the same competition.

The German says his prime target is to lead Hearts to the Champions League and the Ghanaian title.

"The champions league is very important for me," Middendorp said.

"We shall be seeking to be successful there as we were four years ago.

"It is also important that Hearts regain its place as the best club in Ghana.

"I certainly won't want to take a team and not aim to build them into the best."

Hearts are former African champions, but they have failed to make the group stage of the competition since winning it in 2000 and are keen to avoid a similar fate this term.