August 29 – Globetrotting Belgian manager Tom Saintfiet has departed the Philippines to become to new coach of West African side Mali.
The Mali FA (Femafoot) announced the appointment on X, formerly known as Twitter, and Instagram. On Facebook, Saintfiet (pictured centre) wrote: “With pain in my heart I announce my departure as National Team Coach of the Philippines. PFF and I agreed to terminate the contract.”
In February, the Belgian became the new manager of the Philippines, but under his command, the team lost their four World Cup qualifiers in March and June against Iraq, twice, Vietnam and Indonesia.
Saintfiet has managed around Africa with spells in Namibia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Malawi, Togo and Gambia. He took the Scorpions to the last eight of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Belgian will have to hit the ground running with two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in the two week of September. Mali host Mozambique in Bamako on September 6 before they travel to South Africa to play Eswatini.
Saintfiet and the Malians will be aiming to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 2026 when the United States, Mexico and Canada host the tournament in a 48-team format.
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