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Published on 2024-02-27 09:26:27
The Philippine Football Federation has once again undergone a coaching change for its senior men’s team, with former Gambia coach Tom Saintfiet being appointed as the new head coach, replacing Michael Weiss. This decision was made less than a month before the team’s upcoming match against Iraq on Mar. 22 in the second round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The announcement was made by PFF president John Gutierrez and director for national teams Freddy Gonzalez in a news conference.
Weiss had returned for his second stint as the Azkals coach, but the team suffered losses to Vietnam and a draw against Indonesia in the November window of the World Cup qualifiers. It has been reported that Weiss is being considered for the under-19 team.
Speculation surrounding Saintfiet’s appointment began when he was seen attending the UAAP men’s football games at the UP Diliman football field. With a wealth of coaching experience, having worked with various national teams and professional clubs, Saintfiet expressed his eagerness to take on the challenge with the Philippine national team.
Acknowledging the team’s current position in the qualifiers, Saintfiet emphasized the need to create a team that believes in their potential to qualify for the World Cup. He stressed the importance of player commitment and personality in achieving success on the field. Despite the challenges ahead, Saintfiet is optimistic about the team’s prospects and aims to compete with the best in Asia.
In addition to the ongoing World Cup qualifiers, Saintfiet has his sights set on the regional AFF Championship, with the goal of leading the Philippines to their first title. The PFF is also considering a new moniker for the national team, moving away from the ‘Azkals’ nickname to reflect the next phase of Philippine football.
Gonzalez highlighted the importance of consistency and stability in the national team program, stating that Saintfiet will be part of a long-term project to build a strong pool of players for future competitions. Despite receiving multiple applications for the coaching position, the PFF ultimately chose Saintfiet for his alignment with their goals and vision for the team’s future success.
As the team prepares for upcoming challenges, including the Mitsubishi Cup and the possibility of competing in the AFC Asian Cup, Saintfiet’s appointment signals a new chapter for Philippine football. With a focus on developing both local and overseas-based players, the PFF aims to establish a strong foundation for sustained success in international competitions.
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