Micho vows to stay on as Cranes coach
Mar 11, 2015
Micho Sredojevic has been the subject of discussion in Sudan over a highly publicised move to giants Al Hilal.
By Fred Kaweesi
Micho Sredojevic has been the subject of discussion in Sudan over a highly publicised move to giants Al Hilal.
But while media are still waiting patiently for his high profile unveiling at the club’s headquarters in Omdurman, the man himself has different ideas.
And his ideas primarily hinge on fulfilling unfinished business with Uganda’s national football teams.
The Serbian told New Vision , that his loyalty is with Uganda and that his dream remains the same —to steer the country to a major championship.
“You can’t stop people from talking. There are also two national teams chasing me as well, but I am still loyal to Uganda. I still have a dream with Uganda, and I believe I can take the country to the Nations Cup finals,” said Micho.
The Serbian however left room for further speculation when he added that his plans would inevitably depend on the technical aspects of his running contract with FUFA over the next few months.
“The technical aspect of my contract is not for me to decide. If things change, you will be the fi rst to know,” stated Micho.
Word from Sudan
According to a source in Omdurman, the Serbian is still expected at Al Hilal and that the move has only been delayed by the contractual obligations he has with Uganda’s federation.
Micho took charge of the Cranes in 2013 from Rwanda on a two-year contract that expires in May.
“It’s just a question of when. There are also questions of how and who pays for the remainder of the contract he has with the federation. There is no way Al Hilal would announce Micho as coach without talking to him. There was an agreement,” the source reasoned.
However, Micho remained adamant: “Look, I can never betray Ugandans. I was born here football wise.”
Micho’s plans
Micho’s future was thrust in balance following a disappointing 2015 Nations Cup qualifying campaign with the Cranes and All Africa Games qualifying campaign with the U-23 Kobs team.
But despite fan protests last Saturday following the U-23 team’s failure at the hands of Mozambique, Micho is still resolute on his mission in Uganda.
“I accept there have been mistakes made before but I have always wanted to improve as a coach,” he said.
“When I came to Uganda, my plan was to identify talent, develop it and help all national teams qualify for major championships,” he said.
“It’s still achievable with Cranes. The U-23 team is still young and needs time to develop. A baby needs to crawl, walk and then start running. We should be patient,” Micho added.
The Serb also dismissed talk that he has selected players to satisfy his needs and in the process fallen out with some.
“I select players on merit. All players in the U-23 team deserved to be part of the team. Some were even recommended by respective club coaches.”
Player relationships
On the issue of falling out with players Henry Kalungi, Denis Iguma and Martin Mutumba, Micho explained that: “Kalungi had injury issues at the time we needed him. I have since failed to get hold of Iguma while Mutumba has not had sufficient playing time and his agent told me it would be a waste of time flying him in for games.”
FUFA stick with Micho
In statement issued on Monday, FUFA insisted that Micho was still their man —well at least as of now.
“Mr. Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic is still under contract with FUFA. Both parties will honour it.Sredojevic has not submitted any documents seeking termination of his contract with FUFA.”
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