Herbert to coach New Zealand for 2 more years

Ricki Herbert, who steered New Zealand's unbeaten World Cup campaign, has signed on as national football coach for a further two years.

Herbert has been New Zealand coach since 2005 and guided its first successful World Cup qualifying campaign since 1982. New Zealand was unbeaten in South Africa - drawing with Slovakia, Paraguay and Italy - but failed to progress to the tournament's second round.

Herbert signed a new contract with Football New Zealand at a news conference in Wellington on Monday, ensuring he stays in charge of the New Zealand team through qualifying for the 2013 Confederations Cup.

He said he hoped to coach New Zealand through to the next World Cup in Brazil in 2014.

Chairman Frank van Hattum said Football New Zealand would have to take into account Herbert's other role as coach of the Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand's only professional football club.

''Both parties will be reassessing what the requirements of the role are in years three and four. Clearly we've got to look at all the requirements, his Phoenix commitments, and also what the job might entail leading into the World Cup,'' van Hattum said.

Herbert said he had already produced a draft plan for the New Zealand team for the next four years.

''I think it would be unfair not to look past the two years, albeit the contract says two,'' Herbert said.

''I think to get some certainty around the long-term future, no matter what decisions are made, is important.''