LA PAZ, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Veteran coach Oscar Villegas has been appointed manager of Bolivia's national team on a deal that runs until the 2026 World Cup, the country's football federation said on Friday.

The 54-year-old replaces Brazilian Antonio Zago, who was sacked on Thursday after the team's failure to advance beyond the group stage at the recently completed Copa America in the United States.

"It is the beginning of a great project. We need everyone's patience to carry it out. It is a medium and long-term bet," Villegas said during his official presentation. "We are going to begin a true process of transformation of our teams. To harvest, you have to slow."

Villegas is Bolivia's fifth manager in two years following the departures of Cesar Farias, Pablo Escobar, Gustavo Costas and Zago.

His previous managerial experience includes the periods in charge of Bolivia's under-17 and under-20 sides.

Bolivia's next match will be a home World Cup qualifier against Venezuela on September 5. Bolivia is currently ninth in the 10-team South American qualifying standings with just three points from six games. Enditem

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