Paul Put was Sunday appointed new coach of Kenya’s Harambee Stars replacing Stanley Okumbi who was demoted to assistant’s role.
Put, 61, Tuesday appealed to fans to support and have confidence in him as he seeks to revive dwindling fortunes of the national team.
He was speaking after meeting Sports Principal Secretary Peter Kaberia at his office in Nairobi.
“I have written history with small nations like Gambia and Jordan for the years I was with them. I believe that I am capable of steering Kenya achieve big things.
“All I need is support from all quarters. I want to lead a team of 12 and not just 11. And that means that the 12th person must come from all corners of the Kenyan football scene.
“I want to see the stadium fully packed because that is the only way the players and I will know that we are working together.
“Football is not just about technical knowledge; it is also about effort and sacrifice. We have quality players so with your support I know that I can deliver,” the former Burkina Faso and USM Alger manager said.
Put’s immediate task will be to guide the team in this year’s CECAFA Senior Challenge which Kenya hosts starting next month.
His long term goals include qualifying Kenya for the 2019 AFCON in Cameroon and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Kenya has not graced the AFCON since Tunisia’s edition in 2004. The 2019 campaign under Okumbi started on a 2-1 losing note away to Sierra Leone.
The Belgian has his work cut out as he seeks to steady the Stars’ ship and navigate the qualifying group that has the likes of Ghana and Ethiopia.
Football Kenya boss Nick Mwendwa disclosed that betting firm Sportpesa and the government will pay Put’s salary.
