Tom Saintfiet departs as Mali football coach after praising FEMAFOOT

Tom Saintfiet has officially stepped down from his role as Mali’s national team coach, as announced in a letter posted on Instagram on Monday, April 27. The 53-year-old coach was commended by the country’s football federation (FEMAFOOT) and its president, Mahazou Cisset, who issued a statement on Tuesday expressing their ‘heartfelt thanks for the outstanding work accomplished.’

Updated April 29, 2026

In his farewell message, Saintfiet reflected on his time with Mali’s national team, stating he had completed his mission ‘with pride and dedication, despite challenging circumstances.’ He expressed deep gratitude to the Malian people for their unwavering support, as well as his players, staff, federation officials, and government representatives. The coach singled out the FEMAFOOT president for special praise, calling him a ‘true gentleman’ for his commitment to dialogue and finding common ground.

Saintfiet, who took charge of Mali in August 2024, led the team through 17 official matches, including qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), World Cup qualifiers, and the AFCON tournament itself, which concluded with a quarter-final exit against eventual champions Senegal. His record stands at nine wins, six draws, and two losses in those matches.

Facing the challenges of leading a national team amid Mali’s ongoing security issues—including attacks by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM)—Saintfiet also shared a heartfelt message. ‘In these exceptionally difficult times for Mali, my thoughts are first and foremost with the Malian people and the nation as a whole,’ he stated. ‘Above all, I send a message of compassion, solidarity, and unity.’

Known for his extensive experience in African football, Saintfiet has previously managed teams in Gambia, Togo, Malawi, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia throughout his career.