Gambia’s head coach, Tom Saintfiet, has revealed his aspiration to succeed Aliou Cissé as the coach of the Senegalese national football team, expressing his admiration for the country and its footballing culture.
In a statement provided to Afrik-foot, Saintfiet shared his dream of working with one of Africa’s prominent footballing nations, and Senegal, with its similar mentality to Gambia, emerges as an appealing prospect.
The Belgian coach acknowledged that this desire remains a dream, emphasizing the exceptional work done by Aliou Cissé, whom he considers one of the best coaches in the history of African football.
Saintfiet, currently at the helm of the Gambian team, expressed contentment with his role and emphasized his commitment to the ongoing responsibilities in Gambia.
He stated, “I am very happy in Gambia. When the time to leave Gambia arrives, and Senegal is looking for a coach, it would be an honor to coach Senegal.”
Tom Saintfiet has been in charge of the Gambian national team since 2018, overseeing 40 matches with 18 victories, 9 draws, and 13 defeats.
His tenure has seen significant success, contributing to the renewal of the Gambian selection and establishing a high-performance playing system.
Instrumental in guiding Gambia to the quarterfinals of the recent African Cup of Nations, Saintfiet has demonstrated his ability to harness the talent within the team.
The coach’s track record and success with Gambia have undoubtedly elevated his profile, making him a noteworthy candidate for future coaching opportunities at the continental level.
While Tom Saintfiet remains dedicated to his role with Gambia, the prospect of coaching a football powerhouse like Senegal represents a compelling ambition for the Belgian tactician, leaving the door open for potential future opportunities.
Can 2023 – La Gambie, adversaire du Sénégal : Tom Saintfiet : «La pression est plus sur le Sénégal…»https://t.co/yBXMx3enge
— Galsenfoot (@Galsenfootsn) December 19, 2023