Colombian government expressed its support on Friday for Jorge Luis Pinto as the national team coach.

Francisco Santos, Colombian vice-president hailed Pinto's professional qualities and said the Colombian Football Federation (FCF) will receive the government's support for achieving the goal of qualifying for South Africa 2010 World Cup, after being absent from South Korea/Japan 2001 and Germany 2006.

The FCF considered several Colombians and foreigners for the job, like Argentine Marcelo Bielsa and Brazilian Paulo Autuori, but chose Pinto who has had a remarkable season as head of the Cucuta Deportivo team.

Pinto's choice has been generally welcome by the press and the fans, but some fear his hot temper which many times has led him to coach his team from general the seating area after being expelled.

Former football player Carlos "Pibe" Valderrama could be Pinto's deputy.

Pinto was not a football player but has coached several teams such as Millonarios, Santa Fe, Union Magdalena, Deportivo Cali, Atletico Bucaramanga, Atletico Junior and Cucuta.

He also coached Costa Rica's national team and won titles for Alajuelense of Costa Rica and Alianza Lima of Peru.

Source: Xinhua