Rio de Janeiro, March 8 : Former Brazil international midfielder Ramon Menezes has been appointed coach of Brazil's national under-20 team, the South American country's football confederation said on Monday. The 49-year-old replaces Andre Jardine, who departed last month to assume the head coaching role at Mexico's Atletico San Luis. "This is a challenge that I'm ready for," Menezes said. "I've been following young players for a few years now so I know this generation well. It's always an honour to be part of a Brazil team." Ramon, who was capped six times for Brazil in the early 2000s, has had spells in charge of Vasco da Gama and Vitoria -- among other clubs -- since turning to coach in 2013. One of his top priorities will be to prepare his new squad for next year's South American championship. /IANS