FUFA has on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Mr. Put Paul Joseph as the head coach of the Uganda Cranes on a two-year renewable contract.
The coach was officially unveiled to the media at FUFA Complex by FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim who was in the company of FUFA CEO Edgar Watson.
FUFA President indicated there was a process that was followed before zeroing down to Put.
“FUFA rolled out an application process and we got over 150 coaches including two Ugandans who applied for the job. After thorough analysis, the FUFA Executive zeroed down on Mr. Put Paul Joseph who we believe he will do a good job,” he said.
The FUFA President also revealed that unlike the previous times when the Federation appointed the backroom staff, this time, the coach has been given the greenlight to appoint his technical staff.
“This time, we have allowed the coach to appoint his own backroom staff and he is already coming with five other people from Belgium. However, there will be Ugandans who will work as part of the backroom staff in the areas of medical, coaching and management.” He stated.
Coach Put will work with the following people as part of his backroom staff;
– Sven De Wilde- Performance Manager
– Mathieu Denis- Physical Fitness Coach
– Gery Osste- Goalkeeping Coach
– Martin Michiel- Physiotherapist
– Jelle Sevenhant- Video analyst
The Ugandan personnel who will be part of the backroom staff will be communicated later and shall report to camp as and when International engagements are lined up.
In his remarks, the Belgian tactician stated he is ready for the task ahead and cannot wait to get started.
“I first of all want to thank FUFA for the trust and confidence in giving me this job. I believe my knowledge about African football will help me to do a good job with the Uganda Cranes,” he started before adding.
“I have been following the Uganda Cranes especially the recent AFCON Qualifier match against Niger and the two friendly games against Mali and Zambia. Give me time, give me the confidence. You will see a different national team.”
Put, 67, has been the head coach of several national teams in Africa including Burkina Faso, The Gambia, Kenya and Congo.
In 2013, Put guided Burkina Faso to the final of Africa Cup of Nations but lost to Nigeria.
His first task with Uganda Cranes will come this month with the team facing Guinea and Somalia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.