Globe-trotting French coach Philippe Troussier on Thursday revealed he was joining a struggling Japanese lower-league team, in a surprise move just weeks after being linked with the high-profile Australia job.

The former Japan, South Africa, Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Qatar and Marseille coach signed a five-year contract as general manager of FC Ryukyu, who finished last season second last in Japan's third division.

"This wasn't a choice based on prestige. I put aside possibilities with Japanese clubs that are much better known," Troussier said.

Acknowledging that "some people will be surprised" by the news, the coach nicknamed the "white witch doctor" for building up African teams said he was motivated by enthusiasm at building a new club.

"FC Ryukyu ended at 17th among 18 teams. There is no lower place. We have only one way to move - up," Troussier told a press conference.

"I want to help the team be solid, well organised and capable of good results so they can be promoted to the second division."

FC Ryukyu, established in 2003 and based in the Okinawa island chain, ended with only seven wins, six draws and 21 defeats in last season's third division, which includes amateur teams.

It aims to be promoted to the second division within three years and to the reach the J-League top flight by 2013, according to the club president Masakatsu Noguchi.

"First of all, I'm really happy to be back to Japan. I feel like I've never left Japan; I feel like I've come back home," Troussier told reporters in Tokyo.

"The experience I had in my four years in Japan was one of the most fruitful of my life in which I feel I accomplished something. Since I left Japan in 2002, I had expected to be back again someday."

Speaking to AFP after his press conference, Troussier said he would only spend around 100 days a year in Okinawa, but stay "in constant contact with the staff."

Despite the five-year commitment in Okinawa, he did not rule out considering future offers to lead a national team, particularly from Africa, ahead of South Africa 2010.

Troussier said he would use his own reputation in Japan to build football in Okinawa. The island chain, a popular tourist destination and major hub for US troops, hosts few sporting events other than golf tournaments.

He said he would try to build a football stadium and academy in Okinawa's capital Naha.

Troussier is a hero to many Japanese fans after guiding the national team to the last 16 of the 2002 FIFA World Cup on home soil. He also led Japan to victory in the 2000 AFC Asian Cup and to the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup final.

He was a leading contender to coach Australia but was passed over for Dutchman Pim Verbeek, who led South Korea to this year's Asian Cup semi-finals.

Troussier guided Nigeria to the 1998 FIFA World Cup finals and led South Africa from March 1998. After his stint in Japan, Troussier, a convert to Islam, coached Qatar and Morocco.