Saintfiet exits Philippine football team ahead of Merdeka Cup

Tom Saintfiet has parted ways with the Philippine Men’s National Football Team (PMNFT), just four days before the team is set to compete in the 2024 Merdeka Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Belgian coach, who took over the squad in February, is returning to Africa to lead the Mali National Football Team, according to an announcement made by the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) on Thursday.

“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. 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,” said PFF National Teams Director Freddy Gonzalez in a statement via X (formerly Twitter).

Saintfiet’s departure follows a brief but challenging stint with the PMNFT, during which the team struggled in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers, suffering defeats in all four matches against Iraq, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

Gonzalez expressed disappointment over the timing of Saintfiet’s exit, noting the impact on the team’s preparations for the upcoming tournaments.

“That he came to be about the Mali job just as we’re about to depart for the Merdeka Cup is obviously disappointing. But it [was] made clear to me that his heart was already set elsewhere. I have no interest in holding on to anyone who’s not fully committed to the Philippines and our goals,” he stated.

Norman Fegidero, the current assistant coach of the men’s senior team and mentor of the under-23 squad, will step in as interim head coach for the Merdeka Cup.

He will be supported temporarily by Mark Torcaso, head coach of the Philippine Women’s National Football Team, along with Andrew Durante, Sinisa Cohadzic, and Garrath McPherson, who are also part of the women’s team’s coaching staff.

“We need people who are all in. It’s the only way we will succeed. That goes for the players, the staff, and most definitely our head coach. We intend to get the right man on board very soon,” Gonzalez emphasized.

Saintfiet’s tenure in the Philippines may have been brief, but he arrived with a strong reputation, having previously led the Gambian national team to a quarterfinals appearance at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

His new role with Mali will see him guiding “The Eagles” in their qualification campaign for the 2025 Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations.

The PFF is already searching for a new head coach to lead the PMNFT in their upcoming challenges, including the Merdeka Cup and the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup.

Gonzalez remains confident that they will find a coach who is fully committed to the team’s vision and goals.