Qatar League champions Al Gharafa have appointed Caio Junior as their new manager on a two-year deal.

The 44-year-old Brazilian will replace compatriot Marcos Paqueta, who led Al Gharafa to the domestic title last season but decided against renewing his contract.

Junior had previously spent a short stint in charge of Japanese side Vissel Kobe and will meet his new charges at a training camp in Germany, which gets under way on July 15.

"I have plenty of ambitions for Al Gharafa," he said.

"My main target is to enjoy a successful campaign with the team in the AFC Champions League.

"I hope that I can lead the team to victory in the AFC Champions League next year and qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup and I'm confident that we can do it because the team has all the necessary elements.

"I know a lot about the Qatar League as there are a lot of Brazilian players and coaches in Qatar. I know that Al Gharafa won a lot of titles under Marcus Paqueta, who I know well. I hope that I can maintain the success that the team has had."