Paul Put: The man of success and controversies

Football Kenya Federation granted many Kenyan soccer team fans their wishes, after appointing Paul Put as the new coach for the Harambee Stars at the AGM in Mombasa on Saturday. The 61 year old Belgian takes up the mantle from the former Kenyan defender Stanley Okumbi whose roles are yet to be defined by the federation.

The FKF President Nick Mwendwa heaped praises on the Belgian when he was being unveiled as he described Put as 'one of the best you can ever find in the market.' Mwendwa cited his long spells with various African national teams and clubs as the masterstroke for the decision making to choose him, adding that he understands the regional game better.

However, in the eyes many, Put is a stranger whom they will take time to understand. But those that know something about him could describe him as a man dressed in 'black and white', because he is oozing success and controversy in equal measure. So who is Paul Put?

His stints as a manager

Paul Put recently managed the Algerian premier league side USM Alger, where he steered the team to African Champions league semifinals this season.  Put spent vast portion of his career from July 1988 to January 2006 managing various Belgian clubs such as Tubantia Bogerhout, Fc Nieukerken, Geel, Ingelmunster, Lokeren, Lierse and lastly Mouscron.

He has an experience of managing national teams under his belt, with the shortest being Jordan appointment that lasted for only 6 games in 6 months in 2015. Put has managed Gambian national team and Burkina Faso, which he steered to the finals of the 2013. Prior to his appointment by USM Alger, he was one of the front runners who were being touted to manage Guinea and Rwanda national teams in 2016 and 2017 respectively.

Put's controversial side

Paul Put's career is clouded with various moments of controversy. This is perhaps one of the reasons that could instill fear on Kenyan soccer lovers who crave for excellence for the Stars. He resigned from the Jordan job as a result of being slapped by a-two-week suspension by the country's federation. But on his part, he attributed his resignation to health concerns. After managing Belgian sides Geel, Lokeren and Lierse, Put found himself on the dark side of fate when the Royal Belgian Football Association suspended him for three years on allegation of match fixing- a scandal that was known Ye Zheyun.

Honours

One of his memorable moments is the 2013 African of Nations where he led Burkina Faso to the final which they lost to Nigeria and become the runners-up.

Tactics and Records

Put prefers the 4-3-3 tactical format where he plays three deep-lying midfielders in the pivot, two out-and-out wingers and a striker. It is a tactical format he will have to adapt with the Stars before the December 3 Senior CECAFA matches.

His winning record stands at above average, with his worst record only being noted during his spell at Lierse in 2004/ 2005 season in which he lost 6 games, drew seven and won 5.