Paul Put Unveiled as Uganda Cranes Coach: A Look at the New Technical Team
In a move that marks a significant change in Ugandan football, Paul Joseph Put, hailing from Belgium, has been officially declared as the head coach of the Uganda Cranes. This announcement was made by the Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) in Kampala, Uganda, and is set to bring fresh leadership to the national football team.
The appointment of Paul Put, a seasoned coach with a vast international coaching experience in countries such as Burkina Faso, Gambia, Guinea, Kenya, and most recently Congo Brazzaville, follows a thorough selection process. FUFA received applications from over 150 coaches, including two Ugandans. After meticulous analysis, the FUFA Executive ultimately chose Mr. Paul Put to lead the Uganda Cranes, expressing their confidence in his abilities. FUFA President Moses Magogo made this announcement during the official unveiling of the coach.
Paul Put’s tenure comes as a replacement for Serbian coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic, who was dismissed due to the disappointing performance in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The newly appointed head coach, Paul Joseph Put, has also selected his assistant, Sam Ssimbwa Bamweyena, a CAF A Certified coach. This decision was confirmed as soon as Paul Put was formally introduced as the Uganda Cranes head coach. Sam Ssimbwa’s role is effective immediately, as confirmed by FUFA Communications Director Ahmed Hussein. Further appointments within the Ugandan officials serving as part of the backroom staff will be announced in the near future.
The official unveiling of Coach Paul Put took place at the FUFA Complex and marked the commencement of a two-year contract. Paul Put brings with him a team of professionals who will be integral to his coaching staff. These include:
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Sven De Wilde | Performance Manager |
| Mathieu Denis | Physical Fitness Coach |
| Gery Osste | Goalkeeping Coach |
| Martin Michiel | Physiotherapist |
| Jelle Sevenhant | Video Analyst |
This dynamic technical team is set to begin their tenure with a challenging schedule, including two FIFA World Cup Qualifier matches against Guinea and Somalia, scheduled for November 17th and 21st, 2023, respectively. The appointment of Paul Put and the new team represents a significant step forward in Ugandan football and a fresh start for the Uganda Cranes.