It is official, Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic has resigned from the Ugandan national football team six months after leading them to the African cup of nations for the first time in 38 years.
Micho had been in protest since Uganda’s 5-1 win over South Sudan but last week’s meeting with the country’s FA president seems to have been the last straw.
“I have been patient and working under very difficult conditions. Today I have resigned because I and FUFA have stretched limits.” Micho told journalists at the Pine Kabira country club.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“It’s 50 months today since I was signed to work for Uganda Cranes. I have an unreserved love for Uganda. Unfortunately, the contract was terminated as of Friday 28th July 2017 at 8 pm after disrespect of my values.”[/perfectpullquote]
The former FC Palic midfielder joined the Uganda Cranes after leaving the Rwandese national team in 2013. He was an instant hit winning the 2014 and 2016 African Nations Championships, the 2015 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup, before personally finishing as a runner up African Coach of the year 2017.
Micho showered special praise to all the team captains, technical staff, fans, FUFA staff and players he’s worked with during his tenure as head coach. He thanked everyone for the special memories created and revealed that he ‘leaves with a heavy heart’.
“As always, I felt privileged to work in front of you. I was always wishing to deliver something. That of making millions of Ugandans happy.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“I did everything under full accountability, transparency, and confidence. A million apologies to Ugandans.[/perfectpullquote]
“I thank all the captains I’ve worked with. Andy Mwesigwa, Geoffrey Massa, Denis Onyango, Tonny Mawejje and many others. All the Ugandan players I have worked with have a presidential suite in my heart.”
Asked about his future, the Serbian confirmed he has a number of offers on the table heightening the intense speculations linking him to a grand reunion with Orlando Pirates this week.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“I have had 8 offers, Uganda the 9th at the moment, I will not consider national teams. I will now seek rehabilitation.”[/perfectpullquote]
He declined to give a comment on issues concerning his salary delays and pending arrears citing it would breach certain contractual clauses.
The highly respected gaffer leaves Uganda as the only CECAFA team in contention for a 2018 FIFA World Cup place despite being in the group of death.
The Federation of Uganda Football Association has acknowledged receiving Micho’s contract termination letter. They thanked him for his services and wished him all the best in future.
Featured Photo: Getty Images
