A former Mamelodi Sundowns coach has entered the Asian football market, joining the likes of Pitso Mosimane in the largest continent in the world.
Mosimane has been based in Asia since being appointed at Al Ahli Saudi, Al Wahda and currently at Abha, along his esteemed technical team.
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Former Sundowns fitness and conditioning coach Riedoh Berdien has been appointed as the head of physical performance of the Philippines national team.
Berdien left the Brazilians in December 2022, with the highly-rated fitness coach revealint the news on his LinkedIn account:
"Starting a new position as Head of Physical Performance (Fitness Coach) of the Philippines National Team. Asian Football Confederation (AFC)," he posted.
Berdien joined Masandawana in 2020 shortly after the departure of Mosimane, as a replacement for Kabelo Rangoaga, who left with the former Bafana Bafana coach on his appointment at Al Ahly.
The 41-year-old coach came highly-recommended from Young Africans, who are building a reputation of hiring sought-after physical trainers after Orlando Pirates also recruited strength and conditioning coach Helmy Gueldich from Yanga in August 2023.
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Berdien has extensive experience in Africa, having been involved with the Gambia and Togo national teams previously.
The physical trainer has reunited with experienced Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet who is the current head coach of the Philippines national team after he resigned as the coach of Gambia following their group stage exit at the Africa Cup of Nations in January this year.
Philippines avoided the big guns in the Asia 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers - the likes of Japan, Qatar, South Korea and Saudi Arabia. The team is in Group F alongside Iraq, Vietnam and Indonesia.
The Azkals have picked up only one point from their first two games.
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