Tom Saintfiet departs as Mali coach after two years of service
The Mali national football team has bid farewell to head coach Tom Saintfiet, who officially announced his departure through an Instagram post dated April 27. The 53-year-old Belgian tactician, who took charge in August 2024, leaves the FEMAFOOT with heartfelt appreciation for his contributions.
The Mali Football Federation (FEMAFOOT), led by President Mahazou Cisset, issued a statement on Tuesday expressing “sincere thanks for the accomplished work” during Saintfiet’s tenure. The federation highlighted his unwavering commitment despite challenging circumstances in the country.
Coach Saintfiet’s tenure in numbers
The departing coach oversaw 17 official matches for the Malian national team, including:
- 9 victories
- 6 draws
- 2 defeats
These matches spanned African Cup of Nations qualifiers, FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and the recent CAN 2025 tournament, where Mali reached the quarter-finals before bowing out to eventual champions Senegal.
A legacy of dedication and gratitude
In his farewell message, Saintfiet reflected on his time with the team, stating: “I completed my mission with pride and dedication, despite difficult conditions.” He expressed deep gratitude to:
- The Malian people for their unwavering support
- His players and coaching staff
- FEMAFOOT officials
- Government authorities
- Specifically commending President Cisset as a “true gentleman” for his collaborative approach
Support during challenging times
Saintfiet’s tenure coincided with a period of significant challenges for Mali, including security threats from militant groups. The coach addressed the situation in his farewell message, sharing: “In these particularly difficult circumstances facing Mali, my most sincere thoughts go to the Malian people and the entire nation.” He emphasized messages of solidarity, compassion, and unity during this critical period.
Throughout his career, Saintfiet has managed several African national teams, including Gambia, Togo, Malawi, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, establishing himself as an experienced tactician on the continent.