Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojevic ‘Micho’ said that it pains him to be called a foreign coach even after the many years he has spent in Africa and Uganda.
Following Uganda Cranes’ elimination from the ongoing CHAN tournament in Algeria, a section of football fans called for Micho’s sacking.
With four points to their name, the Cranes needed to avoid defeat against Ivory Coast to reach the quarterfinals for the first time in six attempts. However, the team was thumped 3-1.
The team’s performance prompted Ugandans to criticize Micho’s defensive tactics, prompting them to call time on foreign coaches and advocate for the appointment of a local coach to lead the national team.
Speaking during an interview on Sunday, Micho said that he deserves to be called a local coach.
“It’s very painful to be called a foreign coach. After 21 years in Africa and nine years in Uganda, I believe I slightly deserve to be called a local coach,” said Micho.
Meanwhile, for one to be called a local coach, he or she has to hold a passport from that very country, but Micho holds a Serbian passport.
Micho said that his side gave their best in this year’s CHAN tournament, but it wasn’t good enough to break the knockout jinx.
Micho has been the head coach of the Uganda Cranes in three of Uganda’s six CHAN appearances.
This is Micho’s second stint as Cranes’ head coach after he was appointed on July 27 2021 and signed a 3-year contract. He first took charge of the Cranes in 2013.