Micho Sredojevic’s tenure with Uganda Cranes as head coach is officially underway after the Serbian was on Tuesday unveiled on his second coming.
His new three-year contract takes him until 2024, with qualification to next year’s Fifa World Cup in Qatar his immediate task.
Speaking at the unveiling at Fufa House, the Federation president Moses Magogo made the objectives clear.
“Ugandans today are very satisfied with qualification to Afcon, we need more and the objective is to qualify for the Fifa World Cup 2026,” said Magogo.
“A football fan wants more. It does not come overnight. You need time and experience.
“I ask Ugandans to be very, very patient since we are in a transition. Many of our key players are past their prime, it is a reality of life.
“We need to generate positive energy, we need to change our focus and strategy.
“About the future; in the next phase, it is about three things; Professionalize the football league (Uganda Premier League, Fufa Big League and Fufa Women super league), mass football (every child; girl or boy may kick a ball) and excellence at the highest level.”
Micho termed his second home coming to Uganda as emotional.
“It is an emotional time to return to Uganda. Greetings to every single Ugandan with a highest degree of respect. Whatever negative, I would like to apologize –I was at crossroads; one of wounded soul and economic value.”
The 51-year-old was referring to a saga over unpaid wages that contributed to his leaving in 2017 after leading Uganda to its first Afcon finals in 39 years.
“I was born in Serbia but football wise born in Uganda,” he added.
“I was part of the football revolution since my earlier times. My journey of African football studies started here in Uganda.
“I have learnt a lot. I am a much improved version of a coach. 256 GB, now I am in Tellabyts. I thank the previous coaches Sebastien Desabre, Mathias Lule, Johnathan McKinstry, Charles Livingstone Mbabazi and Abdallah Mubiru.
“I will give particular attention to details; build attack and consolidate on the solid defence. I want to pay back with fanatic hard work.
“I am here serve, deliver and give back to the people. I am working to see that Uganda is back in the top five of African football.”
Micho added: “I’m a supporter and coach of Uganda Cranes. I am coming with a network of friends including the Fifa president and Caf president.”
Micho also named his backroom staff that also includes the old guard of Livingston Mbabazi and Fred Kajoba among others.
Micho’s team
Head coach: Milutin Sredojević
Director of performance: Franck Plaine (France)
Video Analyst: Addis Worku (Ethiopian)
Assistant coach: Charles Livingstone Mbabazi
Goalkeeping coach: Fred Kajoba Kisitu
Team manager: Geofrey Massa
Physiotherapist: Ivan Ssewanyana