Piskarev to lead survival fight

FC MTZ-RIPA Minsk have appointed Alekander Piskarev as their new coach in place of fellow Russian Viktor Zernov.

Coaching experience
The 55-year-old Piskarev is a former coach of FC Dinamo Minsk, who he led to six wins, one draw and four defeats. He has also coached several Soviet and Russian national youth teams, as well as clubs in Lithuania and Kazakhstan.

Famous success
Famously, he led the Soviet Under-16 side to the final of the 1987 UEFA European Under-16 Championship and then victory at the FIFA Under-16 World Championship. Also under his guidance, FK Kareda of Lithuania won the league in 1998 and domestic cup a year later.

First test
Piskarev will now try and save MTZ-RIPO from relegation. The club are currently joint-bottom of the Belarussian Premier League with seven points from 15 games. The new coach's first game in charge will be on 1 August.