Out goes Stanley Okumbi, in comes Paul Put

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has unveiled Paul Put as Harambee Stars’ new head coach. The Belgian’s appointment was made public on Saturday morning during FKF’s annual general meeting in Mombasa.

The incoming coach replaces the off-colour Stanley Okumbi, who is likely to assume a diminished role as one of the team’s assistant coaches.

According sources, Put, who has previously handled Burkina Faso and Jordan, has signed an initial two-year contract with FKF.

Put comes in with a rich record, notably guiding Burkina Faso to a runners up position during the 2013 edition of the Africa Nations Cup in South Africa.

FIRST ASSIGNMENT

On the down side, the European coach holds the dubious distinction of having once been banned from football activities over match-fixing claims.

Put’s first assignment could be taking charge of the national team in the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup which Kenya will host from December 3.

Meanwhile, long before FKF’s formal announcement of Put’s appointment, the impending change of guard at the national team’s helm was already diving opinion on Twitter.

Paul Put; the man rumoured to be taking over the management of Harambee Stars from Stanley Okumbi was once banned from coaching in Belgium for three years for involvement in match fixing #Priceless #TheScoreKE #FootballKE http://pic.twitter.com/GH32vfQpRO

— Carol Radull (@CarolRadull) November 17, 2017

Paul Put took that club to the semi finals of the 2017 CL losing to eventual champions Wydad. https://t.co/jmS7lqZ6Lk

— Robert Muthomi (@robert_muthomi) November 17, 2017

PAUL PUT is set to be named the new Harambee Stars coach to replace Stanely Okumbi he is already in Nairobi. Via @bedjosessien http://pic.twitter.com/JyK77HF6xZ

— Bonface Osano (@bonfaceosano) November 17, 2017

Paul Put, the man rumoured to be the next Harambee Stars coach is an excellent match-fixer.

— Ole Teya (@Kevin_teya) November 17, 2017

With Paul Put’s imminent appointment, even hard core skeptics can begin to dream of an Afcon qualification. I’m sure feeling is the same within national team players.

— Cellestine Rebecca (@cellie_beckie) November 17, 2017

Okumbi Out is OK. But Paul Put?
I say NO already.
Mr @Nmwendwa we have a new battle front. Get a proper coach not match fixers.

— John Aggrey (@Superjohna07) November 17, 2017

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