Mali football federation thanks departing Belgian coach
The chapter for Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet with the Mali national football team has come to a close. The Malian Football Federation (Femafoot) announced his departure from the position of head coach after an evening meeting on Tuesday. The 53-year-old tactician, who took charge in August 2024, failed to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and saw his side exit the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in the quarterfinals following a narrow defeat to Senegal.
Femafoot acknowledges Saintfiet’s contributions
Mahazou Cisset, the newly elected president of Femafoot, took office recently and expressed his appreciation for Saintfiet’s work in an official statement posted on the federation’s social media channels. “Throughout your tenure, you demonstrated unwavering commitment, exemplary professionalism, and remarkable determination in fulfilling your responsibilities. Despite facing a demanding environment, you successfully maintained team cohesion, structured technical work, and proudly represented the Mali national team’s colors with dignity.”
The federation has now opened a call for applications to find Saintfiet’s successor. Candidates have until May 10 to submit their applications for the Mali national team head coach role.
Mali football welcomes new leadership