The chapter has closed on Tom Saintfiet’s time with Mali’s national football team. The Malian Football Federation (Femafoot) announced the Belgian coach’s departure on Tuesday evening. Aged 53, Saintfiet took charge in August 2024 but fell short of securing Mali’s place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, and was eliminated in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals by Senegal.
Femafoot praises Saintfiet’s legacy
Mahazou Cisset, the newly elected president of the Femafoot, publicly acknowledged Saintfiet’s contributions in an official statement shared on the federation’s social media channels. He remarked: «During your tenure, you demonstrated unwavering commitment, remarkable professionalism and consistent determination in fulfilling your duties. Despite the challenges of the environment, you maintained team cohesion, strengthened technical processes and proudly represented the Mali national team’s colours.»
search for a new head coach under way
The Femafoot has launched a call for applications to identify Saintfiet’s successor. Interested candidates have until 10 May to submit their applications.
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Mali national team parts ways with coach Tom Saintfiet