NAIROBI, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- Belgian Paul Put on Tuesday pledged to make history with Kenya by working to qualify the struggling football nation for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and 2022 World Cup competitions.
Put was hired over the weekend to take over from local boss, Stanley Okumbi, whose tenure came under fire for underwhelming results.
Speaking in Nairobi when he was presented to the country's sports ministry, Put is keen to get on with his task as Kenya embarks on trying to make the continental showpiece for the first time since 2004.
"I have done it before with small nations like Gambia and Jordan. I have left a mark and I said over the weekend. Give me trust and support and with confidence, I will deliver.
"I know a lot of Kenyan players playing in foreign leagues. I am a Belgian where three Kenyans have been playing there before two left and now we have one at Cercle Brugge (Johanna Omolo)," Put told journalists.
"Locally I am new but it's a matter of time before I know them well. What I believe is that we have the quality that should make us realise our dreams. We will do everything possible to qualify for AFCON and 2022 World Cup. It's the vision we must achieve," the Belgian coach pledged.
His first assignment in charge will be the regional Confederation of East and Central Africa Football Association (Cecafa) Senior Challenge Cup that kicks off on Dec. 3 in the Kenyan counties of Kakamega and Kisumu.
However, according to the President of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Nick Mwendwa, Okumbi will be tasked with identifying the squad that will take part in the tournament the country's team Harambee Stars last won in 2013.
"I have noticed at times he prefers working with his own assistants and we will respect his proposals. Now, he is new to our game and so Stanley will work with him especially during the upcoming Cecafa tournament,
"He (Okumbi) will draft a list of local players during the week but Put will oversee the team together with the entire technical bench," Mwendwa announced.
Peter Kaberia, the Principal Secretary at the Ministry, assured the Belgian full support in discharging his duties.
"We will do everything possible to have infrastructure in place for him to work smoothly. He can count on us for support. The national team is a pride of our country. When it does well, everyone is happy. I am sure Put will walk us to big podiums," Kaberia stressed.
Kenya have been drawn to face Rwanda, Tanzania, Zanzibar and Libya in Pool A of the Cecafa tourney.
