Former Austrian coach Josef Hickersberger will take over at Bahrain on July 1, the Austria Press Agency (APA) reported Thursday. He succeeds Czech Milan Macala who failed to lead the Gulf kingdom to the World Cup Finals after it was eliminated in the playoffs by New Zealand. Hickersberger, already coached Bahrain in 1996, in conjunction with his duties with club side Al Ahli Manama (1995-1997). The 62-year-old coached Al-Wahda, in the neighboring Abu Dhabi, to its first national title this season. He previously coached Austria from 2006 until it was knocked out in the first round of Euro 2008. – APhis year.