Germany have handed women's coach Imre Szittya a contract that will keep him in the post until 2011 and possibly one more year if he leads the side into the London Olympics.

The 52-year-old Szittya, who was born and used to coach in Hungary, took the reins of the national side before last year's EuroBasket in Italy on a temporary basis and led them to a surprise victory over the Czech Republic but he wasn't able to steer them into quarter-finals.

"I think the current national team has a lot of potential in it. We are young and able to develop. And I look forward to the coming years with optimism," said Szittya, whose deal will be extended one year if Germany qualify for the 2012 London Games.

Last year's team included explosive forward Linda Frohlich, center Martina Weber and small forward Anne Breitreiner.

Saarlouis  Royals youngster Romy Bar, who shone at the U20 European Championship for Women last year, could make the step up to the Szittya's team this year.

"We are very happy that Imre is still responsible for our women's national team. He has done some very good work," said German Basketball Federation Vice President Dr. Wolfgang Hilgert.

Szittya's new assistant will be John Bruhnke, 44, who has been an assistant in the German DBBL league since 2004 with Oberhausen.

Germany will take on Ukraine, Lithuania, Israel and Great Britain in EuroBasket Women Division A games later this year.