Joe Maluleke - SuperSport

Midrand - Former Barcelona assistant coach Johan Neeskens was officially unveiled as the new Mamelodi Sundowns coach at a packed media conference in Midrand on Tuesday.

Neeskens, a former Dutch International, played in both the 1974 and 1978 World Cup tournaments and has 20 years' experience as a coach, dating back to 1991.

From 2006 to 2008, he was the assistant coach at Barcelona and last year he was the assistant coach at Galatasaray before signing with the local club.

"This coach beat Sundowns in 2007 with Barcelona. He is one of the most respected coaches in the world. He has worked with some of the most respected coaches.

"He has passion for youth development. As much as we want to win it is absolutely critical that we keep investing in our youth," said club boss Patrice Motsepe.

Also at the same time Motsepe announced a partnership with the Johan Cruyff Foundation aimed at developing talent for the club starting in Tshwane before extending the venture countrywide.

"We are looking forward to working with Sundowns in developing young players for the future. It is very important to have a connection between youth and the first team.

The reality is that you cannot always buy players," said Cruyff.

The club has also signed five new players. One of the players has been earmarked to take Mphela's position. Seven players will be released.

"Killer must go now, we really need to help Mphela realise his goal of playing overseas," said Motsepe.