SC Villa eyes Serbian coach as fans demand change

Uganda Premier League record champions SC Villa (17 league titles) are set to appoint a new head coach to succeed interim coach Morley Byekwaso.

According to a credible source within the club, the new tactician whose identity remains undisclosed is a Serbian national.

The source confirmed that the coach is already in Uganda and was recommended by former Villa and Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojević commonly known as “Micho” who is also Serbian.

Historically, Villa has enjoyed a successful working relationship with Serbian coaches. Most notably, Dusan Stojanovic, who guided the Jogoos to its 2023/2024 league title, their first in 20 years, was also Serbian.

The source further revealed to Vision Sport that with the imminent unveiling of the new head coach, the club is currently in talks with Byekwaso to explore the possibility of him staying on as an assistant, a role he previously held under Stojanovic.

Last season, Villa finished sixth last with 45 points, and failed to defend their league title. Byekwaso faced harsh criticism from the passionate club supporters throughout the season, especially during a difficult first round where the team struggled to win matches away from home. His past ties to fierce rivals KCCA where he served both as a player and coach have made him an unpopular figure among the Villa faithful.

Fan frustration has also been directed toward the club's leadership, particularly club president Omar Mandela, over the continuous exit of key players on free transfers. Many diehard Jogoos are questioning the club’s long-term vision, and are uncertain whether a sustainable project is truly in place.

This trend of losing top talent for nothing in return has become a recurring issue. At the end of the 2022/2023 season, standout performers, notably forward Charles Bbaale and then-captain Gift Fred departed on free transfers. Despite bouncing back to win the 2023/2024 title, Villa once again lost key players, including captain Kenneth Semakula and midfielder Umar Lutalo, both of whom left for free.

Just recently, club captain Ronald Ssekiganda has joined Rwanda’s APR on a free transfer. Sensational forward Patrick Kakande, also out of contract and is reportedly close to signing with league champions Vipers. Meanwhile, promising midfielder Aslam Ssemakula is considering a move to arch-rivals KCCA.

While Villa fans are hopeful that the incoming foreign head coach will bring glory days back at the club, concerns remain over the club's ability to retain top talent.