New coach Tom Saintfiet has seen a glimpse of Philippine football in the 10 days that he’s been in Manila.
After visiting two game days of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s football tournament on Thursday and last Sunday at the University of the Philippines Diliman turf, Saintfiet now has an idea of what to expect when he reassembles the Azkals in the coming days.
“There are good players. Let’s see what we can bring to the team,” said Saintfiet, who is from Belgium as he took over from Hans Michael Weiss mid-February, after quitting as the head coach of the Gambian national squad last January.
Last month, the 50-year-old Saintfiet stepped down as Gambia’s coach after his team’s dramatic exit from the Africa Cup of Nations.
Saintfiet quit after the Gambian Scorpions sustained a late 3-2 loss to Cameroon in their final game in Group C, with the loss leaving his team in the bottom of the group.
His departure came after handling the squad since 2018, coaching Gambia to its first-ever Africa Cup quarterfinals’ qualification in 2021, and then in 2023.
“I was not in need of a new job. I was in need of a project. I’m happy and proud of this project, and hopeful that we can achieve,” said Saintfet, who was introduced during a press conference on Monday at the Studio 300 in Makati by Philippine Football Federation president John Gutierrez and national training director Freddy Gonzalez.
Gutierrez brought Saintfet to the games of the UP Fighting Maroons against the Far Eastern University booters and the match between FEU and La Salle, as well.
What he saw impressed Saintfet, who chose a job with the Philippine Azkals and declined a chance to stay put with Gambia until 2028.
Saintfett, who also turned down offers to handle the programs of Ghana, Cameroon and Algeria, said he was interested in the Philippines following his communications with former team manager Dan Palami, whom he’s been in touch with in the last 11 years.
Talks with Gonzalez since he quit the Gambian national squad kept his interest in the Philippines alive.
Former national player Norman Fegidero will be among those whom Saintfett will tap for the the national team coaching staff.
Open tryouts and workouts will be held this Friday at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
