The Mali national football team is entering a new chapter. As of August 2024, Tom Saintfiet is no longer the team’s head coach, following an official announcement from the Malian Football Federation on Tuesday evening.
The Belgian tactician steered the Aigles du Mali to the quarter-finals of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), adopting a pragmatic approach that saw them secure three draws in the group stage before overcoming Tunisia in a thrilling extra-time victory in the round of 16. Their journey ended against Senegal in a tight 0-1 defeat.
According to statements released by the Malian Football Federation and Tom Saintfiet himself, the parting of ways was amicable. Reports from Afrik-Foot had highlighted unpaid wages as a concern raised by the coach, but his public appreciation for Federation President Mahazou Baba Cisset suggests any issues have been resolved.
Mali seeks a new head coach with CAN experience
The exit of Tom Saintfiet was not unforeseen, given that Federation President Mahazou Baba Cisset had previously stated his intention to appoint a new national team manager, outlining specific criteria for the role.
The Malian Football Federation is now on the lookout for an African coach who has previously led a team to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations. This narrows the search to prominent names like Aliou Cissé (Senegal), Djamel Belmadi (Algeria), and Walid Regragui (Morocco). Their phones may already be ringing with offers.
