Paul Put Calms Uganda Cranes Fans’ Nerves With Big Assurance Amid Cameroon Links

Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has affirmed his commitment to preparing the team for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, despite speculation linking him to the vacant coaching position in Cameroon.

The Belgian tactician's contract with the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) is set to expire in November, with no public announcements made regarding a potential extension. However, in a recent interview with CAF's official website, Put suggested he is planning for the future with Uganda.

Put, who famously led Burkina Faso to the 2013 AFCON final, outlined a detailed preparation schedule aimed at ensuring the 1978 finalists perform strongly in Morocco.

"We have played two World Cup qualifiers in October and have also used it as preparation, and this will be followed by two friendlies in November," Put stated.

"In early December, we’ll stage a closed camp in Kampala, including an open session for fans, before flying to Rabat. Once there, we’ll play more internationals and final tune-ups before meeting Tunisia on December 23."

Uganda, making their eighth AFCON appearance and first since 2019, has been drawn into a challenging group alongside Tunisia, Nigeria, and regional rivals Tanzania. Put offered his assessment of each opponent.

"Nigeria: They are a perennial powerhouse. There are threats everywhere from their squad with top talent and European experience,” he said.

"Tunisia: They are highly organized, technical, tactically astute. They are hard to break down, but we will see.

"Tanzania: For our neighbours Tanzania, they are a good mix of energy and familiarity—regional derbies are never easy."

Despite the tough draw, the coach remains confident in his team's ability to compete. "We will respect all of them, but we are not intimidated," he concluded. "We will give a good account of ourselves."