Despite the controversy surrounding Micho's tenure, early indications show that he will stay on as Uganda Cranes coach through upcoming challenges on the international stage including the CHAN and 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
Uganda Cranes coach Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic appears set to continue in his role despite growing calls for his removal from fans and critics alike, Pulse Sports has learnt.
Micho returned for his second stint in charge of the Uganda Cranes and signed a three-year contract in July 2021, succeeding Abdallah Mubiru, who served as an interim coach after Johnathan McKinstry's departure.
Click here to vote for the Sports Influencer of the Year
The Serbian tactician's contract is still active, with nine months remaining, and it's expected that Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) will allow him to fulfill his contract, which is set to conclude in July 2024.
05:30 - 09.09.2023
FOOTBALL Uganda Cranes' shot-stopper finds new home in Ethiopia
Lukwago joins Hawassa on a free transfer after leaving another Ethiopian side St. George following the expiry of his two-year contract last season.
Calls for Micho's dismissal grew louder after Uganda's failed qualification campaign for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Despite the Cranes securing a 2-0 victory over Niger, it wasn't enough to secure a slot in the tournament finals scheduled for January-February 2024 in Ivory Coast.
06:11 - 09.09.2023
FOOTBALL David Obua set for maiden top flight management position
Obua was selected from a list of candidates who have been linked to the URA job, including former Vipers coach Alex Isabirye and Sam Ssimbwa.
There was an even more rigorous call for his dismissal in June this year following Uganda’s 1-0 defeat to Tanzania which put the Cranes’ qualification campaign in jeopardy.
But the former SC Villa, Zamalek and Orlando Pirates coach rescued the situation by overseeing a 1-0 victory over the Taifa Stars four days later in Dar-es-Salaam.
13:40 - 09.09.2023
FOOTBALL Uganda Cranes defender safe after experiencing earthquake in Morocco
Mugabi started for Uganda in the 2-0 win over Niger in Marrakech and was one of the Cranes players waiting to connect back to his club by the time of the earthquake.
Micho's reported monthly earnings of around USD 25,000 [approximately UGX 93.4 million] add a financial dimension to the situation.
If FUFA decides to terminate his contract prematurely, they would be liable to pay the full amount of his wages for the remainder of the contract which could go up to USD 225,000 [approximately UGX 832 million].
There is also a significant severance fee due to Micho if his contract is cut short.
19:06 - 09.09.2023
FOOTBALL Arsene Wenger stresses importance of education for aspiring Ugandan footballers
Borrowing from the success enjoyed by the youth development system used in the USA where players are drafted from the country’s College system, integrating sports and education can offer Ugandan players a well-rounded approach to life.
Furthermore, Micho's contract includes a clause that allows for an extension beyond the initial three years, but such an extension would need to be activated by the federation.
Performance-related clauses also provide FUFA with a safety net in case of contract termination, potentially reducing the total payout.
FUFA President Moses Magogo previously indicated that the federation would evaluate Micho's performance once Uganda's fate in the AFCON qualification was determined.
12:15 - 09.09.2023
FOOTBALL Namboole Stadium will improve our chances of qualifying -says Uganda's First Lady
The Cranes hosted Tanzania in Egypt and lost 1-0 before taking their home match with Algeria to Cameroon, from where they were beaten 2-1.
However, it appears that FUFA is inclined to stick with Micho, especially given the upcoming qualification tournaments, including the African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The CHAN qualifiers are scheduled to commence on October 6-8, 2023. Uganda will begin its 2026 World Cup qualification campaign in November with away fixtures against Guinea and Somalia.