Basena

By Joseph BatteSimba coach Moses Basena who had turned down a coaching job with national soccer league champions has changed his mind and is heading for Villa as acting head coach, The New Vision has reliably learnt. Two weeks ago, Basena declined to take up the coaching job with Villa after a small band of bitter Villa fans, angry after the expulsion of Paul Hasule, rang his wife and issued death threats if her husband set foot at Villa Park.When the Simba coach Basena turned down the job, Villa turned their energies on acquiring a foreign tactician. Eight experts, among whom is a 34-year-old Brazilian called Sergio Honorio, coach of a Brazilian club called Ferroviaro, a Frenchman, Karim Bencherifa, a Moroccan, two Yugoslavs and surprisingly a 22-year-old Briton, have since declared their interest in coaching the Jogoos. “We were slated to sign a contract with a foreign coach next week, but I think if we are to take on a coach for now, Basena will be the best choice because his fee is below US$1,000 while an expatriate coach’s monthly salary is US$3,000.”The source added that Basena will coach Villa for six months and thereafter he will be go for a coaching course abroad. An expatriate will handle the team after Basena has left.” However, when contacted yesterday, a cautious Basena who seemed surprised denied he was heading for Villa Park. “The issue of going to Villa was not yet there,” he said. The source revealed that Basena’ s deal will be sealed today when talks are held with UPDF’ Deputy Chief of Personnel and Administration, Col. Mark Kodil.Moses Basena was present on Monday when old Villa players and new recruits played at Nakivubo Stadium.