Former goalkeeper Rafael Dudamel has been named as the new coach of Venezuela to replace Noel Sanvicente, the country's federation president Laureano Gonzalez announced on Friday.

The 43-year-old, who played in Argentina, Colombia and South Africa during his career, has already coached the Venezuelan under-20 side.

He takes charge with the Vinotinto bottom of South American World Cup qualifying after picking up just one point from their first six games.

Venezuela, who have never qualified for the World Cup finals, were beaten 4-1 at home by Chile on Tuesday after a 2-2 draw in Peru last week.