The Czech Republic have appointed Lubor Blazek as the coach of the women's national team.

Blazek, the long-time boss of ZVVZ USK Prague, has replaced Milan Veverka who was let go from the position in August.

Veverka had replaced Jan Bobrovksy as coach earlier this year and in June guided the Czechs at the EuroBasket Women in Latvia to a 10th-place finish with two wins and six defeats.

Blazek has been handed the reins at one of the biggest moments in the country's basketball history with the Czech Republic set to host the 2010 FIBA World Championship for Women.

"I feel that I have a huge responsibility," Blazek said.

"But I also like the fact that we have the World Championship with us after 43 years.

"Success would be to be among the top eight. Then the team can relax and see what can be achieved. I am convinced that the Czechs still belong to the top and can build on what we have achieved in the past."

Blazek worked as an assistant to former national team coach Bobrovsky, who guided the Czechs to a EuroBasket gold medal in 2005. He said he gave a lot of thought and consideration and took advice from trusted friends and colleagues before taking on a position that some deem to be a thankless job.

Bobrovsky also contacted Blazek, he said, to offer his support.

"I volunteered at the last minute," he said in an interview with www.idnes.cz.

"It was important for me to get a pulse from league coaches and the players I spoke to. I felt from them a commitment to participate and get a real taste of the Championship. I firmly believe that we can put together a team that will represent the Czech Republic well."