'I had to move on' - Saintfiet reacts after losing Ghana job to Otto Addo

Mali coach Tom Saintfiet has responded with remarkable philosophical grace after revealing he was overlooked for the Ghana coaching job in early 2024, despite extensive discussions with the Ghana Football Association.

The Belgian tactician spent four hours in talks with GFA officials before the federation ultimately appointed Otto Addo to lead the Black Stars.

In a display of professional maturity, Saintfiet told Adom TV: "Football clubs choose coaches they want, coaches choose players they want - but that's football. It's life and I had to move on." His reflective response highlights the unpredictable nature of football management and the resilience required in the coaching profession.

Saintfiet, who previously achieved remarkable success by guiding The Gambia to back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations appearances, acknowledged the GFA's right to select their preferred candidate without bitterness or resentment. Rather than expressing disappointment, he even praised current coach Otto Addo's work and suggested openness to future collaboration.

The coach's philosophical acceptance comes amid his current challenge with Mali's World Cup qualification campaign, which suffered a setback after Ghana's 1-0 victory over his team in June.

Saintfiet's professional response to rejection demonstrates the emotional resilience required at international level, where coaching opportunities are limited and political considerations often influence appointments.

His mature perspective stands in contrast to the frequent acrimony that characterises coaching changes in African football, setting an example of professionalism in an industry often marked by controversy and conflict.

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