By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Ronald Koeman will become the manager of the Netherlands for a second time following the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Koeman, 59, will replace 70-year-old Louis van Gaal, who on Sunday revealed that he is receiving treatment for prostate cancer.
“Proud to share that after the World Cup I will once again fulfil the role of national coach,” said Koeman.
“Very much looking forward to this new challenge, on to achieving new successes together.”
KNVB director Marianne van Leeuwen added: “We are very happy that Ronald will return next year.”
“During his previous ‘term’ as national coach, there was great satisfaction with his work and the results.
“That is why, after internal deliberations, I entered into discussions with Ronald and his agent Rob Jansen, together with director of top football Nico-Jan Hoogma.”
Koeman, who has managed in England at Southampton and Everton, was in charged of the Dutch national side between 2018-2020.
Koeman helped Netherlands reach the Euro 2020 finals after they had missed the previous tournament and the 2018 World Cup, and also to the final of the Nations League, where they lost 1-0 to Portugal.
He left for what he described as his “dream job” at Barcelona in August 2020, having spent a hugely successful six years at the Camp Nou as a player.
He was sacked by Barca in October last year.