Tom Saintfiet presented for Bahrain coaching job ahead of 2027 Asian Cup

Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet has been presented as a candidate for the Bahrain national team head coach position, with the experienced tactician in contention to lead the side at next year’s AFC Asian Cup.

Saintfiet, 53, is one of the most travelled coaches in international football, having built a career working across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Caribbean.

His coaching CV includes spells with Namibia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Yemen, Malawi, Togo, Bangladesh, Trinidad and Tobago, Malta, Gambia and the Philippines.

The Belgian’s most notable international achievement came during his time with Gambia.

Saintfiet guided the Scorpions to consecutive Africa Cup of Nations appearances and oversaw their historic run to the quarter-finals at the 2021 AFCON, staged in Cameroon in early 2022.

Saintfiet’s experience of working with teams operating outside the traditional international elite could appeal to Bahrain as the country prepares for another major continental tournament.

However, the Belgian is not the only prominent name being considered for the position.

Former Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz is also reportedly in the frame for the Bahrain job. The Portuguese veteran has an extensive international résumé, having coached Portugal, Iran, Egypt and Qatar, while also working as an assistant coach at European giants Real Madrid and Manchester United.

Queiroz also possesses considerable experience in Asian football, having enjoyed multiple spells with Iran and led the country at the FIFA World Cup.

Saintfiet is renowned for building disciplined and organised teams, while Queiroz offers vast experience at major international tournaments.

The Bahrain Football Association is yet to announce a final decision, with the appointment expected to be closely watched as the country prepares for the Asian Cup.

The successful candidate will have limited time to assess the squad, organise friendly matches and implement his tactical philosophy before Bahrain faces some of Asia’s strongest national teams at the continental showpiece.