Belgian coach's Netherlands‑sollicitatie claims 100% penalty record

Tom Saintfiet, the 53‑year‑old Belg, has launched an Oranje‑sollicitatie that touts a België Record of winning every penalty shoot‑out he has overseen, while he remains clubless after his departure from Mali.

Saintfiet was appointed bondscoach of Mali in August 2024 and his contract ran until April 2026. In March he oversaw a 0‑0 friendly against the Russische national team in Sint‑Petersburg, after which a new president told him he could not be extended by the government.

He now seeks a new challenge, recalling previous stints at Gambia, Malta and Togo, and even mentions recent talks with Ghana ahead of the WK. Saintfiet says he prefers to stay active as a national team coach and believes he can bring the Dutch side, the Nederlands Oranje, out of its penalty‑miss habit.

The coach points out that the Netherlands is notorious for missing penalties, yet he argues that preparation – especially for goalkeepers – can change that. He cites his own 100 percent Record of penalty victories as proof that the problem is largely psychological.

In January Saintfiet guided Mali to the quarter‑final of the Afrika Cup after a shoot‑out win over Tunesië. He explains that his analysts and keeper trainer used Wyscout and other media to dissect every penalty, even mapping them on a drink bottle for study. "I have a hundred percent record with penalty wins," he told the KNVB at Het Oranje Café, ending his pitch with a nod to De Caf.