Tom Saintfiet Turns Down Black Stars Offer

Tom Saintfiet, previously the head coach of Gambia’s national team, has now been selected as the new head coach for the Philippines national team.

Despite receiving enticing offers from three prominent African countries – Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon – Saintfiet ultimately opted for the role with the Philippines. His interest was particularly piqued by Ghana, where he was actively engaged in discussions and was even considered the front-runner for the position.

However, in a surprising turn of events, Saintfiet made the decision to accept the offer from the Philippines, citing a desire for an ambitious challenge and a compelling project.

Even as he was in talks with the Ghana Football Association, a last-minute call from FECAFOOT President Samuel Eto’o, representing Cameroon, was not enough to sway his decision.

“I was in need of an ambitious task, a project,” explained the Belgian coach during his presentation, shedding light on his motivations for accepting the Philippines’ offer over the enticing opportunities from Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon.

“My experience in national team football is that it’s not always the best players who win games. It’s personality and commitment. Playing for your country is the highest you can achieve.”

Director of the national teams of the Philippines, Freddy Gonzalez, confirmed interest from the three African nations and China.

“I can be pretty convincing when I want to be. Of course, he was one of the candidates. He was not the only one but after interviewing everyone, I felt he matched what we want,” he said at a pre-match presser.

“Initially, when we were talking, he was already asked by Ghana, Nigeria and China to coach their teams. I was able to convince him to leave those offers and come here but then at the last second Samuel Eto’o called him up, about a week ago, wanting him to be the coach of Cameroon. I am so glad he chose us,” he added.