Belgian tactician Paul Joseph Put has reportedly chosen to remain with the Uganda Cranes, NBS Sport understands.
This development follows weeks of speculation linking the 69-year-old coach with African heavyweights Cameroon, who were said to be interested in his services.
Put was appointed Cranes head coach on November 2, 2023, succeeding Milutin “Micho” Sredojević on a two-year contract.
That deal has now expired, but it is understood that a renewal is imminent, with only official confirmation from FUFA pending.
Sources indicate that uncertainty surrounding his contract situation had attracted interest from other national teams, including Cameroon, who attempted to lure the former Burkina Faso boss away from the Pearl of Africa.
While Put initially faced scrutiny due to his past match-fixing scandals, he has quickly won over fans with the visible improvement in the Cranes’ performances under his leadership.
Uganda’s progress has been notable – from a strong World Cup qualification campaign, to reaching the CHAN quarterfinals for the first time, and pushing for a return to the Africa Cup of Nations since 2023.
These achievements have strengthened the argument that he deserves a new deal.
The uncertainty surrounding his future had caused anxiety within the Ugandan football fraternity, but optimism is now growing that FUFA will soon finalize a new two-year contract for the Belgian.
However, while FUFA’s intention to retain Put appears clear, his acceptance remains the final piece of the puzzle, given the interest from elsewhere.
Nonetheless, both parties are reportedly aligned, and a conclusion is expected soon.
As Uganda heads into the November international break, calm seems to be returning to the camp.
The Cranes will next face Morocco, Africa’s top-ranked side and hosts of the upcoming AFCON, in what will be a stern test for Put’s charges ahead of the continental showpiece.
