Saintfiet deal on the cards

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) seem optimistic in their pursuit of striking a short-term deal with Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet as head coach of Bangladesh's national football team despite the fact that the 42-year-coach is in a three-man shortlist for the post of Nigeria's national football team head coach as well.

Saintfiet, who garnered his vast experience through managing different national teams across the world as well as working as technical director at the Nigerian football federation and a few clubs, is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka early today.

As reported, he plans to conduct a five-day training camp to get an impression of the players as well as finalise the contract to guide Bangladesh in their Asian Cup Qualifiers play-off against Bhutan in September and October.

 “We are aware of the world media report that he has been short-listed for the Nigerian football team and yesterday [Sunday] the national teams committee communicated with him and asked him to explain his position after his name has come up in the shortlist of the Nigerian football team's head coach,” said BFF general secretary Abu Nayeem Shohag.

 “In reply, he officially confirmed that during last two months he dropped his CV to different national football federations across the world like he did for Bangladesh Football Federation and thus his name came into the short-list of the Nigeria football team's coach.”

Having explained Saintfiet's interest to work with Bangladesh, Shohag said, “The impression we got from him is that he is eager to work with the Bangladesh national team.

He even time and again stressed to finalise the contract. 

When he learnt that the friendlies against Nepal were postponed, he asked whether it is possible to play a match against any local team, how the federation will provide the logistic supports to the national teams etc.

We are hopeful that we will get him for the short-term contract.”

Shohag also added that the BFF president and the national teams committee will sit with Saintfiet today or the day-after to finish discussions and hopefully seal the deal.

 “But, it is fact that as a professional coach, he will consider everything when he gets several offers at a time and obviously do what's best for him.

We will also try to figure out his thoughts about the future through open discussion. If he wants to go there (Nigeria), there is no option to hold him as we have yet to sign any contracts,” concluded Shohag.

The game's governing body has already disclosed a 32-member preliminary squad for the short-term camp and Saintfiet is scheduled to conduct the training today afternoon.