Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet has been appointed as the new head coach of Mali, following his resignation from the Philippines national team, the Malian Football Federation announced on Thursday.
The 51-year-old is well-known in African football circles, having previously coached several African nations, most notably leading The Gambia to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations in 2022, where they reached the quarter-finals.
Saintfiet’s departure from the Philippines was swift, as he left the role earlier on Thursday after a disappointing spell, losing all four matches in charge. His new role in Mali comes with significant challenges, as the national team is currently facing internal turmoil.
Mali’s captain, Hamari Traore, was suspended by the country’s football federation after publicly criticising the association. In response, several other key players have announced their boycott of the national team in solidarity with Traore.
Mali are also struggling in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, sitting fourth in Group I, trailing leaders Comoros by four points.
Saintfiet will officially take over after Mali’s upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Mozambique and Eswatini, where his task will be to rejuvenate the team and resolve the ongoing player disputes.
