Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put’s future plans
Uganda Cranes Head Coach Paul Put.
By Our reporter
MENGO – In an exclusive interview with Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) Communications Department, Uganda Cranes Head Coach Paul Put speaks about his experience, the team’s progress, on FUFA President, connection with fans, his take on media, why he has failed to learn any local language and his renewed contract until 2028.
Coach Paul Put, November 2023, you were a visitor here in Uganda, but on a mission. We are sure you remember that first day, officially welcomed to Uganda on football matters and specifically for Uganda Cranes. How do you remember about that day?
It is a great memory always! Coming to a new country is always a bit uncertain, you don’t know what to expect. But I was really surprised by the warmth of the welcome and the clarity of vision by FUFA they had for the Uganda Cranes. They wanted to build a strong team for AFCON 2027 and that gave me a great sense of purpose. The way I was treated from the beginning was a really nice surprise, and I will never forget it.
Congratulations on the contract extension. What does this mean to you as a head coach for Uganda Cranes for the next period that you have agreed on until 2028?
I am thrilled and proud to have my contract extended. When I came on board, I was tasked with building a strong team for 2027, and I am happy to continue this journey. The extension gives me the confidence to keep pushing forward, and I am excited to see the progress we will make. We are on the right track, but there is still work to be done, and I am grateful for the opportunity to see this through.
You have done an amazing job, but are you aware that you have made a lot of history in Ugandan football? On this particularly extending your contract, you are the first coach in Uganda in recent times to have a contract extended after the original period agreed on expired, you have now had a contract extended. What does it mean to you when this crosses your mind?
I was not aware of that, to be honest! But it feels amazing to know that people believe in me and my work. It shows there is confidence and respect, and that is what drives me. I have to credit the players, though as they are the ones who take the to field and deliver results.
The Ugandan people have been fantastic, supporting us every step of the way. They have become like family, and I am honoured to be part of it. This contract extension means a lot to me, and I am grateful for the trust placed in me by FUFA.
You are talking highly about Ugandans. What is your relationship with the FUFA President?
The President reached out to me while I was in Congo and invited me to Uganda and that was the start of a great working relationship with him and FUFA. He is very knowledgeable about football and it is clear he had done his homework on me and my work. We communicate openly and respectfully, and he has given me the freedom to do my job without interference. I appreciate his understanding of the game and his confidence in me. It is a partnership that works and I am grateful for it.
The next set questions will take us to AFCON 2025 qualification, Africa Nations Championship, an amazing job you did because we witnessed everything and FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification campaign. So close, so close, but that is an amazing job for the Uganda Cranes.
The fans here love to see their country win, but some of the moments you created for them, winning away from home. How do you feel about that success? The team qualifying for AFCON 2025, finishing second in the World Cup qualifiers, and then we shall talk about CHAN 2025 in Uganda.
I am thrilled with the team’s progress. Qualifying for AFCON 2025 and finishing second in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers is a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication. I am proud of the players as they are a cohesive unit with a winning mentality. We have created a family atmosphere, and that is reflected in their performance on the pitch. The credit goes to the players as they are the ones who deliver on match day. I am just guiding them, pushing them to be their best.
The intensity and discipline they show on the field is a result of their hard work in training, and I am grateful for their commitment. We have brought a change in mentality, a belief in themselves and the team and that has made all the difference.
How do you feel taking Uganda Cranes to AFCON 2025?
I am excited to be heading to my fifth AFCON with Uganda Cranes! It is a proud moment, especially considering the doubts we faced at the start. But the team’s performance has been impressive and we have managed to entertain the fans with our style of play. I told the players that winning the crowd is key, and they have done just that with their commitment and passion on the field. Our home games have been a highlight, and the support from the fans has been incredible.
The game against Algeria was a great example of our progress, and I think it is a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication. Credit goes to the players and our amazing supporters we are on the right track.
When the World Cup qualifiers came around, did you feel at some point that, yes, the Uganda Cranes can make it?
To be honest, it was not easy. I joined the team just days before our first qualification games, so I did not know the players well. But I told them from the start that we had to believe, and that in football, anything can happen. We were close, just like Burkina Faso was in their playoffs and Algeria showed us how tough it can get.
But I always emphasized the importance of winning our home games and being strong away. The players picked up on that message and they worked hard to make it happen. We were close, and I think we earned respect from other countries with our performance.
From the AFCON qualification, to the fantastic job of having the belief within the players, and taking part in the World Cup, there came the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024), a lot of pressure from the home crowd, a lot of pressure from the country, a lot of pressure from the government, we witnessed you training, supervising the two co-coaches Morley Byekwaso and Fred Muhumuza from the first minutes of the team’s training, last minutes of every training session, maybe also getting involved deep in the night, waking up to plan for the team, how did you feel, especially where the last seconds of the game, of the group stage, had to be decided at home, and the fans, all of them, maybe some of them, inside the stadium, wanted to walk out, the game against South Africa?
I think the players are the heroes here. They showed incredible belief, mentality and engagement, even when the pressure was immense. We always say the game is never over, and that is what we drilled into them in training. They had a remarkable comeback in the second half against South Africa and it was a testament to their resilience. Of course, a bit of luck was on our side, but that’s football. I am proud of how they handled the pressure, and it was a great learning experience for everyone involved.
We are seeing some new faces, players who are playing abroad, and then also some from the local league, and you seem to have given everyone a chance to believe, that they can play for the Uganda Cranes. How do you balance this process?
Finding the right balance is key in football. I have watched a lot of games in Uganda and follow players abroad, so I have a good sense of who is performing well. My team and I work tirelessly to identify the best players, and it is not just about playing abroad – we look for the best players, period. We’ve seen significant improvement in our local league, and that’s thanks to the players’ hard work.
Bringing in new players at the right time and giving them opportunities is crucial. It is not about favoritism; it is about selecting the best team. We are using this opportunity to prepare for 2027 and identify areas for improvement. It is a great chance for players to gain experience and prove themselves, and I am confident we have a good mix to do something special.
We have had success in the past, like with Burkina Faso, where nobody expected us to qualify for the second round, let alone reach the final. Football is unpredictable, and I think we have an advantage in preparing for 2027. The players are at a point where they need to prove themselves, and I am excited to see what they can do.
The next period, a lot is going to happen, but what plans do you have, if you don’t mind sharing?
We are excited to host AFCON 2027, and I think it is going to be a great experience for the team. The pressure is on, but that’s healthy. We saw it during CHAN 2024, and we are ready for it. Our plan is to build a strong team, perform well and make Ugandan football fans proud. We want to give them something to be happy about, something to remember. We will be working hard to make that happen and I am confident we will make it a memorable tournament.
Coach, how do you manage the pressure? Of course there are games that you feel, that will create the pressure definitely, for instance the 3 all draw game between Uganda and South Africa, the stakes were high, fans were shedding tears, and all of a sudden at the end of the game they are happy, how do you manage that pressure? And what message do you have for them?
I manage pressure by taking it off the players’ shoulders. I talk to them, keep them calm, and focused on their job. My message to the fans is simple: I am grateful for their support and I feel their energy. When I am on the pitch, I see people cheering, applauding, it is an amazing feeling. It makes me feel part of a family, and I think that is what Ugandan football is all about. So, I ask our fans to keep supporting us, because with their energy, we can achieve great things. The victory in Algeria was not just about the team; it was about the fans, and that is what we need to keep doing.
Extending your contract until 2028, then comes up the November international break, and Uganda Cranes against Achraf Hakimi’s Morocco, what message are you giving out to the players, against one of the best in the world, maybe one of the best on the continent Morocco?
This is a great opportunity for us. Facing a top team like Morocco is a test, but it’s one we welcome. I want the players to remember that we have earned respect with our performances, and this is a chance to show we are a force to be reckoned with. We cannot afford to play badly, so it is about being at our best and resisting the pressure. I have worked in Morocco, I know the atmosphere will be intense, but I am confident in our players. They are receiving respect, and now it is time to take it with both hands and prove ourselves. This is a chance to show we can compete with the best, and I am excited to see how they will respond.
What’s your relationship with the fans?
I think it is great! Whenever I am out and about, whether it is at the stadium, shopping, or grabbing a coffee, people are always so supportive and kind. They show me respect, and I make sure to return it. I care about what they do for the team, and I think that mutual respect is what makes our relationship so strong. The players feel it too – they are always getting love from the fans, and it is nice to see. Overall, I would say we have a really good connection with the fans, and I’m grateful for that.
At the end of every press conference, you normally crack a joke with the media, how much do you love them?
I love them! But seriously, I appreciate the media’s role in Ugandan football. You have got a powerful platform, and I think you have used it well.
The players read everything, and it can impact them psychologically, so I appreciate your positive approach. Keep doing what you are doing – be positive, be honest and keep pushing us to be our best. I am grateful for your support, and I hope you will continue to be part of our journey, even in tough times.
For the two years you’ve been here, and for the next period coming up, are there specific foods, you have tried to eat in Uganda? That you love most? You like eating?
I love Ugandan food! Posho, Matooke, and plantain are my favorites. The local cuisine is delicious, but I am careful about the sauces and greasy food. I have tried to adapt, and overall, I enjoy the food here.
Have you learned some words in local language here, and you can say a few words?
As for learning Luganda, I am still working on it! I have been busy, but I am told the best way to learn is with a Ugandan lady. (FUFA Communications Department not endorsing this move as any person can teach coach a particular local language of his choice). Seriously, I appreciate the culture and people, and I am happy to be here.
What excites you? What makes you happy?
Working in Uganda has been a blessing. I am away from my family a lot, but I feel comfortable here. The people are kind, respectful, and appreciative, and that motivates me to do my best. When I am respected and valued, I can do my job with pleasure. The players feed off that energy, and it is a great feeling to be part of this team and community.
What excites you? What makes you happy?
Working in Uganda has been a blessing. I am away from my family a lot, but I feel comfortable here. The people are kind, respectful and appreciative, and that motivates me to do my best. When I am respected and valued, I can do my job with pleasure. The players feed off that energy, and it is a great feeling to be part of this team and community. The respect I get in Uganda gives me a boost and motivation, which I transfer to the players. I am feeling quite good, and I am excited for what is to come – 2028 is the magic number, indeed!
