Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF) has appointed renowned South African coach Giles Bonnet as the head coach of the Bangladesh Under-20 men's hockey team.

The appointment was formalised on Wednesday as BHF General Secretary Ishtiaq Sadeq and Bonnet signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Joint Secretary Ariful Haque Prince and Treasurer Mizanur Rahman Don were also present at the signing ceremony.

Under the agreement, Bonnet will guide the Bangladesh U-20 men's team throughout its preparation camp and during the 2026 Men's Junior Asia Cup.

Bonnet brings more than three decades of international coaching experience to the role. He previously served as head coach of the Belgium men's national hockey team from 2001 to 2007.

The experienced South African also worked as the Strategic Advisor to China's men's hockey team, which won the silver medal at the Beijing Olympic Games.

The Bangladesh Hockey Federation believes Bonnet's vast international experience will play a key role in strengthening the junior national team and improving its chances of achieving a strong performance at the 2026 Junior Asia Cup.