Football/ Mali: Coach Tom Saintfiet reveals unfulfilled dream to manage Ghana’s Black Stars
Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has disclosed his long-standing ambition to lead Ghana’s national team, calling it a missed opportunity rooted in his belief in the squad’s global potential. The Belgian was in advanced negotiations for the role in early 2024 before the Ghana Football Association appointed Otto Addo.
In a candid interview, Saintfiet emphasized that his aspiration was never financially driven but motivated by a desire to achieve historic World Cup success with a top African side.
He pointed to Ghana’s near-semifinal run in 2010 and deep talent pool as evidence of the team’s capacity to compete at the highest level.
Despite his disappointment, Saintfiet expressed no resentment and even praised current coach Otto Addo, leaving the door open for future collaboration.
His revelation offers insight into the personal ambitions that shape international football and the alternate paths often contemplated behind the scenes.
Saintfiet recently faced Ghana in World Cup qualifying, with the Black Stars edging his Mali side 1–0 in Accra.
