Former Belgium national team manager Georges Leekens has been appointed coach of Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.

The 59-year old has a long history of managing clubs dating back to 1984 and is hoping he can make an impact with his new club after quitting his post at Sporting Lokeren.

"Al-Hilal is a big team," Leekens told www.Sporza.be.

"They are second in the league and always in the Asian Champions League.

"There is some pressure there. I have never chosen the easy way and I see that as a serious challenge. I am almost 60 years old but I am still as ambitious as a young foal, even if everyone sees only the money side.

"I certainly will remain until June, I have around 12 games to play. But I have to say that it was not easy to leave Lokeren because (president) Roger Lambrecht is a friend."

Leekens has coached several Belgian clubs including KAA Gent, Anderlecht, Charleroi and Cercle Brugge whilst also having stints with Dutch club Roda JC, Turkish outfit Trabzonspor and the Algerian and Belgian national teams.