Sercu, the current coach of Belgian Korfball League champions Boeckenberg, will be tasked with increasing the presence of sport in Francophone nations, mainly in Africa.

The Belgian, who was the manager of England’s national team from 2003 to 2007, “brings a long and distinguished korfball career” to his new role, the IKF have said.

He has already embarked on his first mission in his IKF position as he has travelled to the Ivory Coast, located in West Africa, along with fellow DEC member Theo van der Linde.

The pair will participate in a series of clinics and other activities administered by the Ivorian Korfball Federation during the visit, scheduled to last until July 10.

The appointment of Sercu comes amid a targeted attempt from korfball’s worldwide governing body to develop the sport in new IKF member countries.

Sercu follows in the footsteps of Peter Busik of Slovakia, who was recently chosen as the DEC’s project manager for Eastern Europe.

Busik, who was selected for the role in May, will oversee korfball development activities in various countries including Romania, Slovakia, Serbia, Greece and Armenia.

The news marks the latest addition to the IKF this year after 39-year-old Tilbert La Haye was appointed as the organisation’s first-ever chief executive.

The Dutchman, who took office at the beginning of last month, immediately targeted Olympic inclusion after he was given the role.