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Tom Saintfiet, the ex-Gambia coach, is reportedly connected to the open Black Stars position following Chris Hughton’s dismissal.
Sources within the Ghana Football Association (GFA) suggest that Saintfiet is among the candidates for the position, which opened up when Hughton was let go following Ghana’s unexpected exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations during the group stage.
On Tuesday, the 50-year-old Belgian, Saintfiet, stepped down as Gambia’s coach after their exit from the current tournament in Ivory Coast. Despite the group stage elimination with zero points, Saintfiet is praised for the positive transformation he brought to Gambian football.
Upon taking the position in July 2018, Gambia held the 168th spot globally, but Saintfiet’s influence saw them climb to 126th. Despite a 2-0 loss to hosts Cameroon in the 2021 AFCON quarter-finals, the Scorpions exceeded expectations by defeating Mauritania, Tunisia, and Guinea during the tournament.
Boasting coaching experience across four FIFA confederations and substantial African background managing teams like Namibia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Malawi, and Togo, Saintfiet brings a diverse and extensive resume to the table.
Also Read: AFCON 2023: Fan Arrested for Attacking Black Stars Coach Following Cape Verde Loss yesterday.
The GFA is reportedly impressed by Saintfiet’s track record, viewing him as a strong contender for the Black Stars role. However, there’s been no official approach, and the association is still in the process of evaluating other candidates.
Should Saintfiet be appointed, he would confront the challenging mission of rejuvenating the Black Stars’ performance following a disappointing streak under Hughton. The team has faced difficulties in recent months, faltering in Ivory Coast and facing the prospect of not qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
