Saintfiet to return after Nigeria game
Flames interim coach Tom Saintfiet’s two-month ‘voluntary’ ends after this Saturday’s game in Nigeria, but the Belgian still returns to Malawi after the World Cup qualifier.
FAM chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda clarified yesterday when asked if Saintfiet would do it like ex-Flames caretaker coach Alan Gillet, who after a game in Ethiopia, flew straight back home to England in 2003.
“It was resolved during the recent emergency executive committee of FAM that the issue of the coach will be thoroughly discussed at the next FAM’s executive committee meeting scheduled to take place this month, few days after the Nigeria match,” Nyirenda said in an e-mailed response from Nigeria.
“It is at this meeting (date and venue to be communicated later) where a decision on the future of the coach and the technical panel will be made. It is expected that the coach will return home with the rest of the delegation on 9th September 2013 pending decision of the executive committee.”
Saintfiet jetted in from Belgium on July 5 amid controversy after FAM earlier claimed it would extend the tenure of caretaker coaches Eddington Ng’onamo, Patrick Mabedi and Ernest Mtawali.
FAM eventually revealed the hiring of Saintfiet as a volunteer only entitled to $10 000 (K3.9 million) for a win against Nigeria, free accommodation and transport. This happened at a time when FAM had not resolved a row among players who wanted a bonus raise from the current K30 000 (US$90)for a win.
Saintfiet, withdrew the appearance fee demand due to pressure.
His Flames record currently stands at three defeats and a win. He worked previously in Namibia, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Nigeria and Asia.
