Belgian Paul Put appointed Uganda Cranes head coach

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has unveiled Belgian tactician Paul Put as the new head coach for the Uganda Cranes.

This appointment was made official during a ceremony held at the FUFA offices in Mengo, with the Belgian signing a two-year contract.

“We are pleased to announce Paul Joseph Put as our next head coach. He holds vast experience and we were impressed with his application from the 250 applicants that wanted the job,” FUFA President Moses Magogo said.

“We hope that he can transfer his experience and knowledge to Ugandan football because our national team has been crying out for new success.”

Put is expected to confirm the appointment of five Belgians to work as part of his coaching staff including a performance analyst, fitness coach, goalkeeper coach, video analyst and strength and conditioning coach.

His backroom staff though will include a couple of Ugandan coaches who are expected to work as his assistant coaches.

Despite not having a notable playing career, Paul Put has a rich history in coaching that spans several decades.

He began his coaching journey in his native Belgium in the late 20th century, setting the stage for a prolific career on the African continent.

Put's vast experience includes stints at the helm of two club sides and five national teams including neighbours Kenya.

Paul Put's extensive coaching career has taken him to various nations and clubs, including Gambia, Burkina Faso, Jordan, Algeria, and Congo, among others.

His most remarkable achievement was leading Burkina Faso to the 2013 AFCON finals, although they ultimately lost to Nigeria.

He also led USM Algers to the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League where they lost to Wydad Casablanca 3-1 on aggregate.

The 65-year-old Belgian now steps into the role of head coach for the Uganda Cranes, succeeding Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic.

Micho was dismissed following another disappointing AFCON qualification campaign, which saw Uganda finish third in a group that featured Algeria, Tanzania, and Niger.

Following Micho's departure, Morley Byekwaso took the reins on an interim basis.

However, Byekwaso's interim tenure saw the Cranes suffer two losses in the recent international friendly window, with defeats against Mali and Zambia.

The Uganda Cranes are poised to return to action later this month in the World Cup qualifiers.

Their upcoming fixtures will see them face Guinea and Somalia on the 17th and 21st, respectively, both played away from home.