The Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) has today unveiled a new coach for the Uganda Cranes known as Mr. Put Paul Joseph. He has been given a two year contract that is renewable.
Apparently, Put Paul was unveiled by FUFA president Eng Moses Magogo and FIFA CEO Edgar Watson. This was at the FUFA house in Mengo.
Besides 150 people applied for the job including 2 Ugandans but they didn’t meet the requirements. Mr Put Paul was therefore chose as the perfect candidate for ths job.
“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.
Magogo further said that this time round, the coach has been given the permission to appoint his own backroom staff unlike in the past.
“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
The chosen are:-
Sven De Wilde- Performance Manager Gery Osste- Goalkeeping Coach
Martin Michiel- Physiotherapist
Jelle Sevenhant- Video analyst
Mathieu Denis- Physical Fitness Coach.
For the local staff, FIFA said that they will be communicated later. Put Paul who is a Belgian said that he’s the perfect man for the job amd he believes he will perform at the top level.
“I first of all want to thank FUFA for the trust and confidence in giving me this job. Besides 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.”
This won’t be his first job in Africa. He has coached countries like Burkina Faso, The Gambia, Kenya and Congo. He was the one who guided Burkina Faso to the AFCON final in 2013 but lost to Nigeria.