Paul Put: “You do not get many chances to qualify for a World Cup”

Qualification to the FIFA World Cup is a tough assignment that requires a nation to seize its opportunities and not leave anything to chance.

These were the sentiments shared by Uganda head coach; Paul Put ahead of the Uganda Cranes’ FIFA World Cup qualifiers clashes this week.

The East Africans, who successfully secured their ticket to Morocco for the biggest football spectacle in Africa are now eyeing a place at the FIFA World Cup.

Currently fifth in a tough Group G of the qualifiers, the Uganda Cranes take on Mozambique in Cairo on Thursday, 20 March and play host to Guinea in Kampala next Tuesday in two crucial clashes that could see them move up the group standings.

Speaking ahead of the two encounters, the former Burkina Faso and Congo head coach emphasised the importance of Uganda taking up this opportunity and leaving nothing to chance, as qualification to a World Cup does not come too often, he says.

“Every game is crucial. You do not get many chances to qualify for a World Cup in your career.  I have been close before and when you are close, you want more. Uganda must push forward and stay focused”, said Put.

Speaking on the two opponents Mozambique, who are second behind Algeria as well as Guinea who are tied on points with them, Put said no team is to be underestimated and that they would need to be well prepared.

“You cannot underestimate any African team. In World Cup qualifiers, opportunities are scarce, so we must be well-prepared. Our players understand that these chances are rare in their careers. I do not like to overthink. We performed well away in the AFCON qualifiers, and we should maintain that level. At home, we need to make a difference. The key is to focus on our game rather than stressing over numbers”, concluded the coach.

With qualification to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations officially secured, Uganda will be hoping to secure their first ever FIFA World Cup qualification.