- Otto Addo’s position as head coach of Ghana has come under scrutiny, even as he edges closer to securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup
- Mali’s manager, Tom Saintfiet, has subtly hinted at an interest in taking over his role as Black Stars coach
- The Belgian further stoked debate by criticising Addo’s “cowardly” tactics during the crucial World Cup qualifier on September 8
Mali coach Tom Saintfiet has spoken about the possibility of leading Ghana’s national team one day, responding with calm confidence when asked about the prospect.
The Belgian tactician was among the names considered after Chris Hughton’s dismissal following Ghana’s poor outing at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.
Source: Getty Images
At the time, he even revealed that he held discussions with Ghana Football Association president Kurt Edwin-Simeon Okraku and vice president Mark Addo.
Despite those talks, the job eventually went to Otto Addo, who was handed a second stint in charge of the Black Stars.
Tom Saintfiet’s shares discussion held with GFA:
Saintfiet soon found himself back on the continent after a brief spell with the Philippines.
When Mali dismissed Eric Chelle following a slow start to the World Cup qualifiers, the 52-year-old was given the chance to revive the Eagles, per CAF Online.
Mali coach reacts to replacing Otto Addo
Since taking over, Saintfiet has brought stability to the Malian side.
According to Transfermarkt, he has won six of his first eleven matches, drawing three and losing just two, including the narrow 1-0 defeat against Ghana in Accra.
That record translates into an average of 1.91 points per game, a solid return for a team in transition.
While hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup have faded, his work has restored confidence within the squad and set the stage for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Source: Getty Images
His immediate goal is to finish the qualifiers strongly and build momentum for the continental showpiece.
Still, the idea of managing Ghana lingers in the background.
During his post-match interaction with journalists in Accra, Multimedia Ghana’s Kobby Stone boldly told him he would one day become the Black Stars’ coach.
Saintfiet’s response was brief yet striking: “Insha Allah” — meaning “God willing.”
Watch the moment Saintfiet reacted to becoming the Black Stars coach:
Moments after the video of Stone’s exchange with Saintfiet surfaced online, fans trooped to the comment section to share their takes. YEN.com.gh captured a few reactions from X (formerly Twitter):
@HamzaGainz joked:
“Inshallah 😭 he’s begging for the job 😂”
@KwameOkanta added:
“Agenda set. We would see how it goes. Otto shaa too much ah.”
@ceabason playfully wrote:
“This guy must be arrested for threatening Otto Addo 😂”
@_KennGeoffrey, however, was blunt:
“Mali for sack this coach.”
For now, Otto Addo remains in charge, though public dissatisfaction continues to grow, with Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams openly questioning his performance.
That discontent, coupled with Saintfiet’s knowledge of African football and his wealth of international experience, has sparked new debate about whether he could eventually cross from Mali’s dugout to Ghana’s.
Tom Saintfiet criticises Otto Addo
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Tom Saintfiet was outspoken following Mali’s defeat to Ghana in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Addressing the media at the Accra Sports Stadium, the 52-year-old Belgian accused the Black Stars of approaching the game with fear.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Source: Yen.com.gh
