The Mali national football team bids farewell to its Belgian coach

The Mali national football team has decided to end its collaboration with Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet. The Mali Football Federation (Femafoot) officially announced his departure on Tuesday evening, just months after his arrival in August 2024. Saintfiet’s tenure ended without achieving two major objectives: securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and advancing past the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), where Mali fell to Senegal.

The federation acknowledges Saintfiet’s efforts

The newly elected president of the Femafoot, Mahazou Cisset, expressed gratitude toward Saintfiet in an official statement shared on the federation’s social media platforms. The message highlighted the coach’s dedication, professionalism, and resilience in guiding the team under challenging circumstances. Cisset noted, «Throughout your time with us, you demonstrated unwavering commitment, exemplary professionalism, and remarkable determination in fulfilling your duties. Even in a demanding environment, you succeeded in maintaining team cohesion, structuring technical work, and upholding the dignity of the Mali national team’s colors with pride.»

The Femafoot has now opened a call for applications to fill the vacant coaching position. Candidates have until May 10th to submit their applications.

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