Malian rapper Mokobé condemns coach Tom Saintfiet over Ghana job remarks

Malian artist Mokobé has strongly criticised national team coach Tom Saintfiet after the Belgian hinted at an interest in managing Ghana once his contract with Mali ends.

The musician described the comments as disrespectful to the team and its supporters, particularly coming in the wake of Mali’s recent World Cup elimination.

Saintfiet, who remains under contract with the Malian Football Federation until August 2026, made the remarks in an interview with ADOM TV. Asked about the prospect of one day coaching Ghana, he replied:

“My contract with Mali ends in August 2026. As soon as I’m free and my contract has expired, I’ll be interested. For now, I’m focused on Mali.”

His response drew immediate backlash, with Mokobé taking to Facebook to voice his anger. The rapper argued that such public interest in another role, especially following a damaging defeat and exit from World Cup contention, demonstrated a lack of professionalism.

“Hearing a coach speak about being interested in another position right after a loss and elimination from the World Cup race is unacceptable and disrespectful,” Mokobé wrote. “It shows no regard for Mali, the players, or the fans.”

The singer’s reaction echoed frustrations among sections of the Malian football community, who have questioned the timing and tone of Saintfiet’s comments. Mokobé went further, calling on the Malian Football Federation to intervene.

“How can we have confidence in a coach who already seems to be thinking about the exit door?” he asked. “We need leaders and coaches who are fully committed to the national team. Stability, passion, and total commitment are non-negotiable. This kind of behaviour is an affront and must be punished.”

Mokobé, aged 49, is well known for his close ties to Mali and has frequently spoken out on issues surrounding African football. Earlier this year, he criticised Belgian coach Marc Brys in the latter’s dispute with Samuel Eto’o, showing his willingness to publicly confront figures he believes act against the interests of African football.

Once again, he urged fans and officials not to remain passive. “Malian fans, Malian people, it is time to stop tolerating this behaviour. Let’s demand change,” he said.

Saintfiet, meanwhile, has not responded publicly to the criticism. The coach, who has managed a range of national sides during his career, finds himself under growing pressure after failing to guide Mali to the World Cup.

Unless an extraordinary turn of events occurs, Mali’s campaign is effectively over, leaving questions about the coach’s future at the helm of the Eagles.

For now, the Malian Football Federation has yet to issue a statement addressing either Saintfiet’s interview or Mokobé’s demands. However, the controversy has added further tension to an already delicate sporting situation.

With Mali’s hopes of reaching the World Cup gone, the debate over leadership and accountability within the national team is likely to intensify. For Mokobé and many supporters, the message is clear: commitment to Mali must come before ambitions elsewhere.