West African football powerhouse Cameroon has reportedly set its sights on Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Joseph Put, with the Belgian tactician emerging as a top contender to replace his compatriot Marc Brys at the helm of the Indomitable Lions.
Put was named Uganda Cranes head coach on November 2, 2023, and his tenure has been marked by steady progress and renewed belief within the national team.
Since taking charge, the Belgian has managed 23 games, winning 13, with the Cranes scoring 28 goals, a 56% winning record that underscores his impact and tactical consistency.
The 68-year-old is no stranger to African football. He boasts an extensive résumé across the continent, having managed Gambia, Burkina Faso, Kenya, and Congo Brazzaville, alongside club stints with USM Alger (Algeria) and serving as technical director at Wydad Casablanca (Morocco).
Put’s most remarkable achievement came in 2013, when he inspired Burkina Faso to a fairy-tale run at the AFCON final, narrowly losing to Nigeria.
His tactical discipline, motivational prowess, and deep understanding of African football dynamics have reportedly caught the attention of Cameroon’s FA, who are looking to revive their national team’s fortunes.
Under his guidance, Uganda returned to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after missing out on the previous two editions, and the Cranes came agonisingly close to sealing a historic 2026 World Cup ticket, displaying grit and tactical balance throughout the qualifiers.
Cameroon, despite their illustrious history, failed to secure an automatic 2026 World Cup slot, finishing second in their group. However, they remain in contention as one of the best second-placed sides and are gearing up for a mini-tournament in Morocco this November to battle for a spot in the inter-confederation playoffs.
The Indomitable Lions will clash with DR Congo in the semifinals on November 13, while Gabon faces Nigeria in the other fixture. The winners will meet in the final on November 16, with the champion advancing to represent Africa in the global playoffs scheduled for March 2026.
