TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025: Know the Coach: Tom Saintfiet (Mali)

Tom Saintfiet’s appointment as Mali’s head coach in August 2024 marked a bold step for the West African nation as they aim to break their AFCON title drought.

Known for his tactical flexibility and ability to inspire underdog teams, the Belgian tactician has a wealth of experience, having managed several African national teams, including The Gambia, where he famously led the Scorpions to the quarter-finals of AFCON 2021.

Saintfiet now seeks to replicate that success on a larger scale with Mali, blending their individual talent with his disciplined approach to team dynamics.

Factfile

• Name: Tom Saintfiet
• Date of Birth: March 29, 1973
• Place of Birth: Mol, Belgium
• Age: 51
• Nationality: Belgian

Coaching Journey

Saintfiet began his coaching career in 1997 with FC Zammel in Belgium after retiring as a player. His African journey started in 2000 with Satellite Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire, setting the stage for an illustrious coaching career spanning multiple countries.

He managed Namibia from 2008 to 2010, followed by stints with Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Malawi, and Togo. His time with The Gambia (2018–2024) brought him the most acclaim, as he guided them to their first-ever AFCON appearance in 2021 and a historic quarter-final finish.

Saintfiet also has coaching experience outside Africa, having managed national teams such as Bangladesh, Trinidad & Tobago, and Malta.

Style of Play

A highly adaptable tactician, Saintfiet often switches between formations like 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3, and 3-4-1-2 based on the opponent and his players’ strengths. He emphasizes discipline and structure, ensuring his teams remain compact defensively while exploiting their offensive potential.

In his own words:
"I am a coach who values discipline and tactical awareness. My aim is to find the right strategy to win every match, even though football doesn't always allow that."

Experience at the AFCON

The tournament in Morocco will be Saintfiet’s third AFCON appearance as head coach. He led The Gambia to back-to-back AFCONs in 2021 and 2023, achieving notable success in the former by reaching the last eight.

Did You Know?

• Before his tenure with The Gambia, Saintfiet had never stayed more than two years at the helm of a team since beginning his coaching career.
• He was named CAF Coach of the Year in 2022 following his achievements with The Gambia.

Tom Saintfiet brings a wealth of experience, tactical ingenuity, and a proven ability to build cohesive teams to Mali’s AFCON campaign. With the Eagles aiming for their first continental title, Saintfiet’s leadership could be the missing piece in their quest for glory in Morocco.