Kampala, Uganda: Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has reaffirmed his full commitment to guiding the national team to a competitive showing at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, despite ongoing speculation over his contract and future with FUFA.
In an interview with Cafonline, the Belgian tactician, best known for steering Burkina Faso to the 2013 AFCON final, said he has already mapped out a detailed preparation plan for the Cranes ahead of the continental showpiece.
“We have played two World Cup qualifiers in October and have also used them as preparation. This will be followed by two friendlies in November,” Put said.
He added that the team will hold a closed training camp in Kampala in early December, including an open session for fans, before flying to Rabat, Morocco, for the final leg of preparations. “Once there, we’ll play more internationals and final tune-ups before meeting Tunisia on December 23,” he explained.
Uganda has been drawn into a tough AFCON Group C, which features 2004 Winners Tunisia, Nigeria, and neighbouring rivals Tanzania. The Cranes have featured at the continental finals only eight times, with their best performance coming in 1978 when they finished runners-up to Ghana.
However, Put remains confident that the current generation has the hunger and unity needed to compete with Africa’s elite.
“I promise they will see a Cranes side that plays with heart, unity, and pride,” he vowed. “We will fight for every ball, respect the jersey, and leave everything on the field. Our aim is to represent Uganda with dignity, passion, and purpose.”
He emphasized that togetherness, discipline, and a relentless will to win are at the core of his coaching philosophy. “Determination must outweigh the fear of losing,” Put said. “We want a team that holds its shape, fights in transitions, and believes it can compete.”
As part of his preparation strategy, Put has scheduled several international friendlies to fine-tune tactics and enhance team chemistry before the group-stage opener in Morocco.
With Tunisia’s pedigree, Nigeria’s star power, and Tanzania’s regional rivalry, the road ahead appears daunting—but Put insists Uganda’s spirit could make the difference.
“Each team has quality and experience, but football is not played on paper. It is about fighting spirit, organisation, and belief,” he stated. “We want to surprise people and make our country proud.”
Despite speculation linking him to the Cameroon national team, and with his current contract expiring in November, Put maintains that his attention remains solely on the Cranes. “I am concentrating on my job with Uganda,” he said. “The players and the fans deserve full commitment, and that is what I am giving.”
Under Put’s guidance, the Cranes aim to blend tactical discipline, mental resilience, and patriotic zeal as they head to North Africa for Africa’s biggest football stage. “The players know what is at stake. We are preparing to give Ugandans something to be proud of,” he concluded.
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