After the African Cup of Nations qualification process, the Federation of Uganda Football Association’s (FUFA) President Moses Magogo said they would determine what would happen to Cranes Head Coach Milutin Sredojevi Micho.
Magogo stated that this was one of the decisions made by the FUFA Executive Committee in their meeting conducted on March 18, 2023, while addressing the media on Thursday.
“I think let us give Micho time to conclude this campaign and we discuss Micho after this campaign it is going to be very embarrassing when we start discussing the campaign and eventually the team qualifies. What will you say.” Magogo told journalists.
We understand the emotions that people experience, but we all take a moment to reflect and make decisions in accordance with those reflections because we need the results.
However, we have also given the same coaches instructions to ensure that the transition goes smoothly and that our young players are given the chance, he continued.
Fans of the Uganda Cranes have been criticizing Micho for the team’s poor performance at the ongoing Afcon qualification competition over the past few days. The term #michoout has been popular on social media.
Magogo countered that despite the Federation’s sympathy for the fervent supporters, they cannot base choices on feelings.
In order to bring the Cranes back to their previous glory, Micho was reappointed coach in 2021 with a three-year contract. After the national squad missed out on the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, his return was viewed as a sign of hope.
Expectations were raised for his second term in charge after his earlier success in ending the 39-year-old AFCON qualification curse and taking the Cranes to the 2017 tournament.
However, the Cranes have struggled to have a major effect in the ongoing AFCON qualification tournament, where they have only recorded one victory in four games and collected four points. His return has not led to the desired results.
Their eligibility for the European showpiece is now in doubt as a result.
Magogo stated that they are aware of the national team’s current situation, which may not be producing the best outcomes.
Many fans have frequently criticized Micho for overlooking up-and-coming young players in favor of veteran players, and he has come under criticism for what are being called “faded tactics.”
According to Magogo, FUFA urged the technical bench of the Uganda Cranes to introduce the young players gradually. He claimed that it was still necessary for the veteran players, such as captain Emma Okwi, Faruku Miya, Joseph Ochaya, and others who currently receive national team calls-ups, to participate so that the younger players could learn enough from them.
The Cranes and the Taifa Stars of Tanzania are presently tied for second place in Group F with four points each after four games. However, with Algeria having already qualified from the group after earning 12 points, Uganda, Tanzania, and Niger are now left to compete in their remaining games for the final spot.
Aside from the Uganda Cranes and the National Under-23 team (the Uganda Kobs), which will be coached by the assistant coach of the Uganda Cranes, Magogo also proclaimed all technical positions of other National Teams vacant.
These include the Uganda Cubs (Boys U17), the Uganda Rhinos, and the Head Coach of the Uganda U-20 Team (Hippo)s, who will oversee all the youth teams (Boys U15).
Additionally, the Queen Cranes (Women U20) and the Teen Cranes will be managed by two assistants under the supervision of the National Women’s Team (Crested Cranes) chief coach, who will oversee all women’s national teams (Women U17). The head coaches of the Nile Cranes and the Sand Cranes are the other roles.