New Philippines coach Tom Saintfiet. Handout/PFF.

MANILA (UPDATED) -- Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet will now be in charge of the Philippine men's national football team, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) announced on Monday.

Saintfiet, 50, takes over from Michael Weiss who called the shots for the men's team in 2023 following a short stint from Moroccan coach Barae Jrondi.

Before being named as head coach of the Philippine men's team, Saintfiet was in charge of the Gambian national team from 2018 to 2024, most recently steering them to an appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations.

"Very proud to be in this beautiful country of yours. Together, we want to write more history," Saintfiet said in a message to fans, posted on the PFF's social media accounts.

"The Philippines has a fantastic, beautiful landscape, beautiful cities, but most of all, beautiful people. We want to make you proud as a football community, and we are looking forward to this task," he added.

Saintfiet's first challenge will be preparing the national men's team for the FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers, with the next set of games set for March.