FUFA Sacks Uganda Cranes Head Coach Micho

By Kundu Ronald

In a surprising turn of events, the Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) has decided to part ways with Uganda Cranes' head coach, Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic. This decision comes after weeks of speculation and debate surrounding Micho's future with the national team.

The news broke earlier today, sending shockwaves through the Ugandan football community. Micho, who had returned for his second stint as the head coach in July 2021, was seen as a prominent figure in Uganda's football landscape. His departure marks the end of an era and raises questions about the future of the Uganda Cranes.

The decision to terminate Micho's contract was confirmed by FUFA President Moses Magogo, who emphasized that it was made after a thorough evaluation of the team's performance in recent matches, particularly in the AFCON qualification.

Speaking about his departure, Micho expressed his understanding of the situation, stating, "It is up to them (FUFA) to decide. Analysis is supposed to be done, and the decision is supposed to be made [soon]. It is an issue that is purely in the hands of the Uganda Football Federation, and I have nothing else to say except I'm soldiering on as the servant of the African football game, Ugandan football."

One of the factors that contributed to Micho's exit was the unexpected draw between Algeria and Tanzania in their home game. "Surprise that Algeria did not beat Tanzania at home also played an important role, and I will not comment further because I know what has happened behind the scenes," Micho revealed.

Another challenge faced by the Uganda Cranes during Micho's tenure was the lack of sports infrastructure. The Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala was under renovation, forcing the team to host home games in foreign territories, which had a significant impact on their performance.

Micho's reported monthly earnings of approximately USD 25,000 (UGX 93.4 million) added complexity to FUFA's decision. If the federation chooses to terminate his contract prematurely, they would be liable to pay the full amount of his wages for the remainder of the contract, potentially reaching USD 225,000 (UGX 832 million).

Additionally, Micho's contract includes provisions for an extension beyond the initial three years, subject to activation by the federation. Performance-related clauses may also influence the final payout to Micho.

With Micho's departure, the Uganda Cranes face a period of uncertainty as they search for a new head coach to lead the national team. The decision by FUFA marks a significant moment in Ugandan football history, and fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how the team evolves under new leadership.

FUFA President Moses Magogo had previously indicated that the federation would assess Micho's performance once Uganda's fate in the AFCON qualification was determined. With this decision, the federation now enters a critical phase as they chart the path forward for Ugandan football.

This announcement leaves the Uganda Cranes at a crossroads, and the upcoming months will be pivotal in determining the direction of the national team and its pursuit of international success.