North Korea turns to one of its own as football coach

Kim Yong Jun, a 35-year-old retired midfielder, will take the side to the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

As a player Kim Yong Jun played a key role in North Korea's qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. (Representational Image)

North Korea has named one of its former player as coach of the national football team, after the departure of his Norwegian predecessor.

Kim Yong Jun, a 35-year-old retired midfielder, will take the side to the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, the North’s official KCNA news agency said.

His appointment came after Norwegian ex-striker Jorn Andersen did not extend his two-year contract with the isolated country, which is under multiple sanctions over its nuclear weapon and ballistic missile programmes.

As a player Kim helped the North qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup before becoming coach to a Pyongyang team. North Korea is currently ranked 109th in the world.