Ford, 38, has agreed a three-year contract, ending weeks of speculation following Woolmer's decision to quit after the World Cup in England ends in June.

``He is youthful, enthusiastic and committed,'' United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCBSA) managing director Ali Bacher told a news conference today. ``He is a good organiser, has good people skills and has a professional approach.''

Ford captained Natal B for several seasons in the mid-1980's but never played in the top flight South African cricket.

But his record as a coach has been outstanding. He guided Natal to a rare South African league and Cup double in 1995-96 and has twice coached the South African `A' side on tour.

He also proved popular with the players when assistant coach to Woolmer for the recent tour of New Zealand.

``I'm honoured to be following in Bob'sshoes and continuing the good work he has done, although it is a huge challenge,'' said Ford.

Woolmer, a former England Test opener, has been linked with the job as England coach in succession to David Lloyd who has also said he will step down after the World Cup.

Fast bowler Shaun Pollock, South Africa's vice-captain, has played most of his domestic first class career at Natal under Ford's guidance and the captaincy for some years of West Indian Malcolm Marshall.

``Fordy and Malcolm took a young, inexperienced team and turned us into something special,'' Pollock told Reuters. ``He did a brilliant job and I'm pretty certain he'll do an excellent job in charge of the national team as well.''

Western Province coach Duncan Fletcher, beginning a three-year, Northern Hemisphere contract with Glamorgan, was believed to be the UCBSA's first choice but his commitments in the county championship ruled him out of the running.

Former South African players Hylton Ackerman and Peter Kirsten, both coaching atprovincial level, were also considered for a post which Ford had initially indicated he was not prepared to accept as he feared it would take him away from him young family too frequently.

``We are only out of the country for five months in the next two years and the schedule isn't as bad as I thought,'' said Ford. ``It's actually pretty reasonable.''

Pollock said: ``His greatest strength is his dedication and the amount of hard work he is willing to put in, at all times of day and night.

``Because he never played test cricket he doesn't have any ideas that are set in stone. He listens to every problem with an open mind and approaches every task with a fresh attitude.

``Bob did a fantastic job with all of us. He started with a team in a difficult, transition phase and he took us to the top. Now, I suppose, we can use one or two new ideas as we move into the next stage of our careers.''