Uganda Cranes Head Coach Paul Put addressed the media shortly after the team’s arrival in Morocco and offered a measured assessment of the opening days of camp, the revised preparation schedule, young players and FUFA’s long-term technical direction. His reflections combined realism with optimism as the team begins the final phase of readiness for the TotalEnergies AFCON 2025.
On uncertainty and early complications
Paul Put opened his assessment by acknowledging the inevitable unpredictability that surrounds tournament preparation. He noted that injuries and minor complications had already influenced the opening days of camp. Despite this, he expressed confidence in the group and their collective growth over the last two years.
‘It is always difficult to say because you never know what can happen with injuries. We have a few complications but I am confident in the players. They have been improving and this is a nice opportunity to show themselves as a team.’
He emphasised that the tournament in Morocco carries significant attention and therefore presents a platform capable of shifting individual careers.
On players deserving a strong performance
Put said the squad deserves a tournament where their work can translate into meaningful results. He added that the global exposure of AFCON gives players a chance to shape the direction of their future.
‘They can show themselves to the whole world and maybe change their life. It would be nice to perform very well because they deserve it.’
On FUFA’s technical vision and the assistant coach structure
One of the major themes at the briefing was long-term technical continuity. Put welcomed FUFA’s direction of integrating a younger local assistant coach who can serve the team for many years. He contrasted this with other African settings where coaches frequently arrive with full personal staffs.
‘I prefer to get a local coach who knows the local players. It is FUFA’s vision to have somebody young for the future. If you change the head coach one day then you have someone who knows the internal kitchen and understands the players.’
On FIFA’s late directive and the impact on camp planning
The most disruptive issue has been the sudden communication from FIFA indicating that foreign-based players can only join camp on 16 or 17 December. Put explained that this significantly damaged the original preparation framework.
‘We received a message from FIFA that we can only have the players abroad on the 16th or 17th. I had hoped to get them from the 8th. Now we will be with half the team until then.’
This directly affects the two scheduled friendly matches: FAR Rabat on 13 December and Gabon on 17 December. With only fifteen players available up to the second match, Put said he cannot adjust tactics or rotate as he would normally do.
‘It becomes very difficult to make good preparation but we will deal with it. It is unfortunate but it is like this.’
On disrupted tactical planning
Put noted that tournament build-up normally allows extended work on tactical and technical structures. However, the restricted squad numbers now mirror the short turnaround seen during qualification windows.
‘All the plans you make for months move far away. You prepare yourself mentally and you brief the players on what to improve. Now it becomes the same as qualification because there is no time.’
On young players and development
The coach highlighted the importance of giving opportunities to local talent and referenced his earlier work with players such as Bogore during the cancelled CHAN build-up. He also praised Uganda’s under-17 group and their individual progress.
‘You can be a great talent at seventeen but that gives no guarantee. The big work starts then. The environment, discipline and people around you matter.’
He said Bogore deserved inclusion and that such players benefit from exposure within senior setups.
On difficult selection calls
Put admitted that the combination of FIFA’s adjustments and uncertainty over certain key players forced changes in the final list. He expressed regret for those left out but noted that selection often shifts quickly.
‘I had to disappoint some players and it hurts me. But if some positions are not 100% sure then you must add players in that area. But I want to encourage all the players who are not selected this time to keep the courage to continue with hard work, because in football you never know, and tomorrow it can be totally different.’
AFCON Buildup matches for Uganda Cranes
Uganda vs FAR Rabat on 13.12.2025
Uganda vs Gabon on 17.12.2025
Note: FAR Rabat is playing in the CAF Champions League
