A former PSL boss has admitted to suffering a big financial loss as he returns for another stint on the African continent.
Former Free State Stars manager Tom Saintfiet was recently unveiled as the new head coach of the Mali national team, a role Pitso Mosimane was said to have been shortlisted for.
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The Belgian tactician was managing the Philippines up until less than a month ago, but is believed to have activated a clause in that contract that allowed him to make a return to the continent.
The 51-year-old has spent considerable time in Africa previously, having coached the Namibia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Malawi, and Togo national teams.
Prior to stepping into the Philippines hot seat, he was in charge of Gambia and guided them to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations – the side's first-ever appearance at the continental competition – and led them to a quarter-final finish.
However, he parted ways with the team after AFCON 2023, when the Scorpions crashed out at the group stage of the tournament.
Now, it is understood the Malian Football Federation have set Saintfiet the target of reaching the semi-finals of AFCON 2025 in Morocco, and securing the nation's qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
While the ambitions may be large, the Belgian has admitted that the money is not, stating that it is a big financial loss for him.
"I haven't signed [a contract with Mali] yet. It will happen very quickly. In principle, I have to sign a two-year contract," Saintfiet explained, per Afrik-Foot.
"It's a choice that wasn't easy for me. I have a two-year contract with the Philippines signed last February with very interesting financial conditions for me.
"When I decided to come to Mali, my wife said to me, 'What are you doing? You're going to lose a lot of money by signing in Mali.'
"I understand her reaction. Financially, it's a big loss for me."
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Saintfiet went on to add that his decision to take the job goes beyond financial gain, and expressed a desire to "write a beautiful story" with the country.
"I signed in Mali for the competitiveness of its national team. I am an athlete, I want to play great matches," he continued.
"I want to write a story with Mali, with the Malian people. In this country, we do not have 20 good players, Mali has more than 100 good footballers.
"It is a dream to be at the head of a selection like Mali. Money does not make me run.
"I want to give happiness to the Malian people. With discipline, work, I assure you that it is possible to write a beautiful story with Mali.