 |
| Yanga Sc coach Tom Saintfiet. |
By Robin Toskin
Tom Saintfiet says Kenya’s ambition to become a football powerhouse will meet an equally hungry coach for success should he be named Harambee Stars coach.
The Belgian, who speaks four languages, his mother tongue Dutch, French, English, and German is fresh from leading Yanga to a successful defence of the Cecafa Club championship.
“I’m always keen on improving the fortunes of my employer. If Kenya are as ambitious as they have stated then we share the same vision,” Saintfiet told FeverPitch, on Friday.
The 39-year-old said his many years of working in Africa has helped him understand the environment, which he believes is a plus should he be entrusted with the Kenyan job.
“Having worked and produced good results wherever I have been in the continent makes me feel at home in Africa. I have up to date knowledge of African teams having worked in Namibia and TD in Nigeria and led teams against Malawi,” Sainfiet said.
Foreign coaches have been accused of living outside their employer-countries and that they do not understand the mentality of African players.
However, Saintfiet says: “I have always lived full time in whichever country I have worked. The fact I am also young makes me connect with the players well.”
Football Kenya Federation is on the verge of naming a coach for the national team Harambee Stars and have narrowed down to four coaches; Henri Michel (France) Raymond Domenech (France) and Adel Amrouche (Belgium).
