AFCON 2025: Why Paul Put Could Be Next Cameroon Coach

Uganda's head coach, Paul Put, has reportedly emerged as a candidate to replace Marc Brys as the manager of the Cameroon national team, as uncertainty continues to cloud the future of the current Indomitable Lions' boss.

Brys, who signed a three-year contract upon his arrival in Yaoundé last year, has had a difficult relationship with the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot) from the outset.

While he enjoys the support of the state, his dynamic with the federation's leadership, especially president Samuel Eto'o, has been fraught with tension over issues like squad selection and administrative control.

Recent reports suggest that influential members of Fecafoot's executive committee are already exploring potential replacements for Brys, despite his strong record of only one loss in 15 matches at the helm.

Sources indicate that Paul Put's extensive experience across Africa and his skill in navigating challenging football landscapes have caught the attention of key decision-makers.

Although Brys is set to manage Cameroon in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations playoff in Morocco, insiders believe that a failure to qualify could bring his tenure to an abrupt end.

Put, a fellow Belgian, is a well-known figure in African football. He famously led Burkina Faso to the 2013 AFCON final and has since managed national teams including The Gambia, Kenya, Guinea, and Congo, building a reputation for tactical astuteness and strong leadership.

Currently managing Uganda, Put guided the Cranes to qualification for the next Africa Cup of Nations and came close to securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup playoffs. While he is under contract with the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), it is understood that his agreement contains clauses that could facilitate a move if a formal offer is made.

A change in leadership would be consistent with Cameroon's history of prematurely ending coaching contracts. This pattern has frequently resulted in costly financial penalties and settlements imposed by FIFA.

With two years remaining on Brys's contract, experts caution that a hasty decision by Fecafoot could lead to another expensive legal battle.

Neither Paul Put nor FUFA has commented on the ongoing speculation. Fecafoot officials have publicly maintained that Brys remains in his post and that preparations for the matches in Morocco are proceeding as planned.

However, the feeling within Yaoundé's football community is that a change is imminent. Should the Indomitable Lions falter in their crucial upcoming fixtures, the push to appoint Paul Put may prove irresistible.

For the time being, Marc Brys remains in his precarious position as the federation considers its next move, and the speculation continues to intensify.