Micho, Sianga mind games
Jan 19, 2004
SC VILLA tactician Micho Milutin Sredojevic has promised Express FC’s new coach James Sianga an ‘unrivalled battle’ for glory when the national soccer league season kicks off.
By Fred Kaweesi
SC VILLA tactician Micho Milutin Sredojevic has promised Express FC’s new coach James Sianga an ‘unrivalled battle’ for glory when the national soccer league season kicks off.
Express landed Kenyan-born Sianga in a bid to mount a formidable challenge for the league title that has eluded the Wankulukuku side since 1996.
But it’s Sianga’s memories of the painful 1-0 loss in the 2002 CECAFA Club Championship final while at Simba SC of Tanzania that coincidentally presents an old score to settle between the two coaches.
“There was nothing exciting like having him in Ugandan football especially ahead of the new soccer season. It will not only help improve Ugandan football but also create more competitiveness in the league,†said Micho.
Express club chairman Godfrey Kirumira downplayed Sianga’s temperamental character when he pointed that he is a rarity in modern football.
Kirumira said that Sianga rarely questions decisions or criticises officials, and is nothing but gracious in victory or defeat, though a few sceptics would demand to differ.
The veteran coach has since become very unpopular at Villa after being accused of having head butted Micho in the clubs final.
Micho however continued, “He has a great personality. I certainly respect him more because we share the same passions of football and winning. I personally enjoy competition and welcome him for the challenges that wait ahead us. I hope he will copeâ€.
It is that rivalry between the two coaches that could start a psychological warfare that has been non-existent in Ugandan local soccer for long.
SC VILLA tactician Micho Milutin Sredojevic has promised Express FC’s new coach James Sianga an ‘unrivalled battle’ for glory when the national soccer league season kicks off.
Express landed Kenyan-born Sianga in a bid to mount a formidable challenge for the league title that has eluded the Wankulukuku side since 1996.
But it’s Sianga’s memories of the painful 1-0 loss in the 2002 CECAFA Club Championship final while at Simba SC of Tanzania that coincidentally presents an old score to settle between the two coaches.
“There was nothing exciting like having him in Ugandan football especially ahead of the new soccer season. It will not only help improve Ugandan football but also create more competitiveness in the league,†said Micho.
Express club chairman Godfrey Kirumira downplayed Sianga’s temperamental character when he pointed that he is a rarity in modern football.
Kirumira said that Sianga rarely questions decisions or criticises officials, and is nothing but gracious in victory or defeat, though a few sceptics would demand to differ.
The veteran coach has since become very unpopular at Villa after being accused of having head butted Micho in the clubs final.
Micho however continued, “He has a great personality. I certainly respect him more because we share the same passions of football and winning. I personally enjoy competition and welcome him for the challenges that wait ahead us. I hope he will copeâ€.
It is that rivalry between the two coaches that could start a psychological warfare that has been non-existent in Ugandan local soccer for long.