By Tumany Colley
The Gambia Football Federation has launched an extensive search for a new head coach for the senior men’s national team following the resignation of Tom Saintfiet in the wake of the country’s early exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
An advertisement published today outlines the requirements for the high-profile position, which carries a two-year contract based in Banjul or potentially overseas if an international hire is made.
The incoming coach’s primary task will be preparing The Gambia for the gruelling 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign while also aiming to seal a spot at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Belgian tactician Saintfiet stepped down in late January, minutes after The Gambia were knocked out in the group stage of the AFCON in Ivory Coast. It ended his six-year tenure as head coach of the scorpions. He had guided the nation to their first-ever appearance at the continental showpiece in 2021.
Speaking to reporters after Saintfiet quit, GFF president Lamin Kaba Bajo said the search was now on for a coach capable of taking The Gambia to even greater heights by ending their World Cup drought.
“Tom worked tirelessly to develop our national team program and we’re grateful for his efforts in reaching the AFCON,” he said. “But we have set our sights firmly on making history by qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.”
The job description outlines overseeing the identification, selection and monitoring of players, designing training programs, leading coaching sessions and managing all team logistics as core responsibilities.
Candidates must possess a minimum CAF A License or UEFA equivalent, with 5-10 years of international coaching experience highly desired alongside knowledge of the African game. Personal qualities like leadership, composure under pressure and an ability to “build a high performing team” are listed as essential.
The GFF has stated preference will be given to coaches with pedigree at major tournaments like the World Cup and AFCON.
Applications for the position close on March 11th, with an appointment expected by early April as The Gambia launches an new cycle aiming to reach uncharted territory on the world stage.