Daily Independent (Lagos)
19 May 2011
The new man in charge was previously the coach of Zimbabwe and Namibia
Ethiopia have announced the appointment of Belgian Tom Saintfiet as coach of the national team, the Walya Antelopes.
Saintfiet, who was the former coach of Namibia and Zimbabwe will face his first test when the Antelopes play against continental powerhouse Nigeria in an African Nations Cup 2012 qualifier in Addis Ababa next month.
“The Saint”, as he was fondly called by media during his time in Namibia replaces England-born Iffy Onuora, who was sacked in April.
The 38-year-old Saintfiet has had an interesting career, becoming Belgium’s youngest coach at age 24 and adding stints in Finland, Qatar, Faroe Islands, Germany and the Netherlands to his coaching experience.
His impressive record in charge of Namibia earned him a nod to coach Zimbabwe in 2010, but a deportation order due to a work visa refusal forced him to resign from his position. Even though he worked from across the border in Namibia, his selected side defeated Mozambique 3-1.
Saintfiet’s Ethiopia are third on their Afcon qualifying Group B table behind Guinea and Nigeria, but ahead of Madagascar.
AllAfrica – All the Time
View article:
Ethiopia Appoint Belgian Coach Ahead of Eagles Clash