The Philippine Men’s National Football Team is in search of a new head coach just days before the start of the 2024 Pestabola Merdeka Cup, following the unexpected departure of Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet.
In a surprising turn of events, the Malian Football Federation announced through its social media channels that it has appointed the 51-year-old Saintfiet to lead its national team, known as “The Eagles,” ahead of the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign.
“From my first meeting with Tom, this is something we had discussed – that if a bigger opportunity came to him, I wouldn’t stand in his way,” said Freddy Gonzalez, Director of Senior National Teams for the Philippines.
“Tom came into the Philippine job with every intention of helping with our project, but his heart has always been in Africa. We thank him for his service and wish him well in his new role.”
According to a report on the official website of the Confederation of African Football, Saintfiet activated a clause in his contract with the Philippines that allowed him to return to Africa, where he has built a significant reputation.
The report further noted that Saintfiet has signed a two-year deal with Mali.
Saintfiet, who replaced former head coach Michael Weiss earlier this year, led the Philippine team – formerly known as the Azkals – in four official matches.
His short stint included defeats both at home and away against Iraq and losses to regional rivals Vietnam and Indonesia.
The search for Saintfiet’s successor is now in high gear, with the Pestabola Merdeka Cup kicking off on September 4 against host nation Malaysia. The new coach will have little time to settle in before leading the team in the 2024 Mitsubishi Electric Cup, set to begin three months later.
The Philippines last reached the semifinals of this tournament in 2018 under the guidance of the late Sven-Göran Eriksson.
“With the Merdeka Cup around the corner and preparations for the Mitsubishi Electric Cup ramping up, we need to move on quickly from this,” Gonzalez stated. “We are already looking at candidates to take on the Head Coach role. I’m confident in finding a man who will be committed to our vision.”
The sudden coaching change presents a challenging scenario for the Philippine team, which must now adapt to a new leader while preparing for crucial upcoming tournaments.
