Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, co-hosts of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, have opted for foreign coaches to lead their national teams. Uganda appointed Belgian Paul Put in 2023, Kenya hired South African Benni McCarthy in March 2025, and Tanzania chose Argentine Miguel Gamondi in November 2025. These coaching appointments are not for the qualifiers, as the three countries are already guaranteed places in the finals.
Paul Put's Uganda started their 2027 Afcon qualifier campaign with a 1-1 draw against Tunisia. Rogers Mato equalized an early Alaa Arous goal, with Nathan Asiimwe providing the assist. The Cranes will face Libya at Hoima City Stadium on September 29, 2026. Put was appointed in 2023 and had his contract extended to 2028. During the delayed 2024 African Nations Championships, Morley Byekwaso and Fred Muhumuza handled the team, while Put remained involved in preparation and oversight.
Kenya's Harambee Stars, led by Benni McCarthy, also drew 1-1 in their opener against Eritrea. Ryan Ogam scored a late equalizer in Nairobi. McCarthy was appointed in March 2025 and immediately had the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers and CHAN on his plate. Under his guidance, Kenya reached the CHAN quarter-finals, beating DR Congo and Morocco. McCarthy's experience and vision were cited by the Football Kenya Federation as key factors in his appointment.
Tanzania's journey has been slightly different. Miguel Gamondi took over as caretaker coach in November 2025, just before Afcon in Morocco. He guided the Taifa Stars to the knockout stage for the first time and was confirmed permanently on a two-year contract in February. However, Gamondi's start in the 2027 Afcon qualifiers was less than ideal, with Tanzania losing 2-0 to Guinea-Bissau in Zanzibar despite dominating possession.
The coaching choices in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania reflect a trend of appointing foreign coaches in East Africa. Uganda has not had a local permanent coach since Mike Mutebi in 2004. The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) has explained that they sought a coach with continental experience, citing a lack of local coaches at that level. This approach has sparked debate about the development of local coaching talent.
Kenya's experience with local and foreign coaches has been mixed. Francis Kimanzi, Jacob "Ghost" Mulee, and Stanley Okumbi are among the Kenyan coaches who have taken the job, alongside foreigners like Sébastien Migné and Engin Firat. Kimanzi argued that local coaches have an advantage due to their understanding of the players and the local context. However, the appointment of Benni McCarthy suggests that foreign experience and expertise remain attractive.
The debate surrounding foreign coaches and local talent development is complex. While foreign coaches bring experience and new ideas, local coaches offer knowledge of the players and the local context. Fufa's approach in Uganda, which combines foreign coaches with a wider talent pool, including players of Ugandan heritage developed abroad, raises questions about the development of local football systems. Ultimately, the goal must be to leave a lasting legacy beyond the 2027 Afcon finals.
Key points
- East African countries have appointed foreign coaches ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
- The coaching appointments reflect a trend of seeking external expertise in East African football.
- The debate surrounding foreign coaches and local talent development is ongoing in the region.
