SC Villa and Morley Byekwaso part ways by mutual consent

After weeks of speculation, SC Villa has officially confirmed the departure of head coach Morley Byekwaso, announcing on Wednesday that the two parties have parted ways by mutual agreement.

In a statement, the club expressed its appreciation for Byekwaso’s contributions over the past two seasons.

He initially joined the Jogoos as an assistant coach under Dusan Stojanovic during the 2023/24 season—a historic campaign that saw Villa clinch the Uganda Premier League title for the first time in two decades.

Following Stojanovic’s departure, Byekwaso was appointed interim head coach and led the team to a seventh-place finish last season.

“We would like to thank Morley for his commitment and contribution to the club. This was a mutual decision, reached respectfully, and we wish him nothing but the very best in his coaching endeavors. He has done us proud,” said club president Omar Mandela in the official statement.

Byekwaso joined Villa in 2023 after a coaching stint with KCCA. Although he was elevated to interim head coach with high expectations, his first full season in charge proved challenging, as the team struggled to defend their title and delivered an underwhelming performance overall.

His departure comes just two days after he was named to the Uganda Cranes’ technical bench for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN), where he will serve alongside Vipers SC coach Fred Muhumuza.

SC Villa also confirmed that the search for a new head coach is underway. However, a reliable source within the club told Vision Sport that a replacement has already been identified. The unnamed candidate, reportedly recommended by former Villa and Uganda Cranes coach Milutin "Micho" Sredojević, is said to be already in the country.

With 17 league titles to their name, SC Villa joins fellow giants KCCA, URA, and Vipers SC in the hunt for a new permanent head coach.