Coach Put Leads Uganda Cranes to Morocco, Warns of AFCON's Group Stage Tough Test

Veteran Coach Paul Put has opened up after qualifying the Uganda Cranes for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Coach Put praises the players' commitment and discusses the AFCON target, maintaining that the tournament's group stage is the most difficult phase.

For the first time in seven years, the Uganda Cranes will grace Africa's grandest stage at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, joining 23 other nations.

Appointed by FUFA last year, 68-year-old Belgian manager Paul Put has orchestrated Uganda Cranes' success, bridging the gap between domestic and foreign players. Replacing Serbian Milutin Sredojevic, Put assembled his own backroom staff, fostering a harmonious working environment that has yielded dividends.

With AFCON qualification secured, Put's will definitely  shifts to the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers next year, but for now, basking in the glory of the moment.

THE PUT EFFECT

For a football-obsessed nation like Uganda, no sacrifice is too great to secure a spot in major tournaments. Since the 2017 AFCON appearance in Gabon, the Uganda Cranes have undergone a coaching merry-go-round, with seven managers – permanent, caretaker, and interim – attempting to recapture the Libreville magic. However, their tenures were marked by disappointment and abrupt endings.

Enter Paul Put, the eighth manager to take the reins before 2023's close. His appointment has proven a masterstroke, yielding the elusive results that had frustrated his predecessors. Put's tactical acumen and leadership have revitalized the team, ending Uganda's seven-year AFCON drought.

"I congratulate my players on their dedication for us to qualify. I'm very happy because our players sacrificed a lot and they deserve this. Once more, it is a win for  Uganda."

"Our technical team's attention to detail and the players' display of patriotism and determination made all the difference.

Participating in the Africa Cup of Nations is an honor, as it brings together the continent's finest talent. I'm ecstatic to test our team's strength alongside the best. When approached to lead the Uganda Cranes, I didn't hesitate – I relish challenges. With time on the continent, I believe we can dream big – another AFCON final berth in Morocco is our goal." he mentioned to SportsBoom.co.za from Kampala.

WITH PUT, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE  IN MOROCCO 

For seasoned coach Paul Put, African football's intricacies are all too familiar. With stints at Wydad AC and USM Alger, and having led Burkina Faso's Stallions to the 2013 AFCON final, Put's expertise is unparalleled. Although heartbreak ensued courtesy of Sunday Mba's 39th-minute strike against Nigeria, that experience has yielded invaluable lessons.

Years later, Put brings those nuggets to Uganda, a team eager to revive its AFCON glory. The 2017 Gabon group stage exit is now a distant memory, and Ugandans sense an opportunity to tap into Put's know-how. As they seek to rekindle the magic of their 1978 AFCON run in Ghana, Put's guidance couldn't be more timely.

"Regarding how far we'll progress in Morocco, it's difficult to predict. We're still uncertain about our group draw and opponents."

"Reflecting on my experience with Burkina Faso, I recall setting a goal to reach the final. Now, with Uganda, my challenge is to replicate that success. We possess the quality, but let's take it one step at a time. First, let the tournament begin.

"Crossing the group stage is AFCON's toughest test. Beyond that everything is possible for the Uganda Cranes."

UGANDA HAS A GOOD TEAM, SAYS  PUT 

Coach Paul Put addressed the contrast between his success with Uganda and previous experience with Congo, a hint of a smile in his voice.

"Some may wonder why I qualified Uganda but couldn't replicate that with Congo. The truth is, when I joined Congo, there was no established team. Building one from scratch requires time." says the 2013 AFCON finalist coach.

He elaborated: "In contrast, Uganda already had a team. I simply fine-tuned it. This team is exceptional, and we're focused on the future. I'm thrilled with the senior players' leadership and young talent's emergence. Our AFCON qualifiers showcased their potential. My focus is on building a long-term project, rather than seeking short-term gains. With numerous competitions on the horizon, we're prioritizing sustainability and growth.

Looking ahead, Put emphasized, "Our next challenge is the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. I hope the team carries the same energy and momentum into this new chapter, which is a very important exercise for us,  because it will be a great learning curve  ahead of co-hosting the 2027 AFCON.

"Unfavorable results are inevitable when rebuilding. Patience is key and Federations and clubs must understand this."