THE BALLARAT Red Devils have snapped up South African career soccer coach Dale Harris to lead them.Harris was all set to take charge of Corio in the Football Federation Victoria's provisional league first division this year before the Haymes Ballarat Red Devils pounced.The Geelong-based 31-year-old had a change of heart after a conversation with Reds chairman Andrew Burgess.Harris said he was ready to sign with Corio when he learnt of the Ballarat job.He agreed not to put pen to paper at Corio until speaking with the Reds.That was just the opening Burgess needed to persuade Harris to fill the vacancy left by Danny Gnjidic and take on the challenge of pursuing a state league two championship.Harris said he was extremely impressed with the professionalism of the club and the direction it and the sport was taking in Ballarat.Harris has been in Australia with his family _ wife Giselle, step-daughter Stephani, 16, and son Tristan, 5 - less than three months.They relocated for lifestyle and professional reasons, with his wife securing employment as a radiographer in Geelong.Soccer has been Harris' life.He played professionally in the South African Premier League for seven years before a serious leg injury, sustained when he was run over by a forklift, ended his playing days at the age of 23 and led him to focus on coaching.Harris coached in South Africa's premier women's league for three years.So passionate is he about the sport, he was married on a soccer pitch - having met his wife in his role as a coach while she was playing. Burgess said Harris was a fantastic appointment."He's an ambitious coach with an impressive record as a professional footballer and coach."I have no doubt his experience and professionalism will have a highly positive impact on the club this season," he said."We know we have a talented group of players and under Dale's guidance our members and supporters can expect to see an exciting and disciplined brand of football from the Red Devils in 2010." Harris said player reputations would count for little."Each player will have the opportunity to put his hand up to be in the starting line-up for the opening match of the season."He said was impressed with his young list of players.The Reds are training three times a week - Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays - with the Saturday sessions being trial matches for players looking to make the first team squad.Ballarat plans to have six to eight practice matches leading into the opening round on April 10.