By John Kusolo Mulokwa.
Uganda Premier league side SC Villa and 16 time record league champions have officially unveiled Serbian coach Dusan Stojanovic as their new head coach.
He replaces Jackson Magera at the helms of the 16-time Uganda Premier league champions. The Serbian tactician was appointed on a two-year employment contract and will work with Morley Byekwaso Ochama as his assistant.
Dusan is a Serbian National with a UEFA A Coaching License. He previously coached OFK Beograd, FK Cukaricki, FC Krasnodar in Russia, Egyptian Giants SC Zamalek, Zambia National team with the latest being FK Rad and FK Vojvodina.
Issac Mwesigwa has joined as Chief Executive Officer for the coming seasons. Issac is knowledgeable about managing a football club and he is going to work towards achieving the objectives and goals of SC Villa.
The manager and his assistant are expected to take charge next week whereas the CEO has already started his duties. The club will benefit from the expertise of the individuals above as SC Villa’s major ambition is to compete for trophies and return to glory days.
Dusan Stojanovic was unveiled at the club offices in Industrial area on Tuesday by the club Vice President Daniel Bakaki. Stojanovic becomes the sixth foreign tactician to manage SC Villa.
Others are Englishman Geoff Hudson, Serbia’s Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic, Serbian Zivojnov Srdjan, Spanish Antonio Flores and Greek coach Petros Koukouras.
The choice between local and international coaches in Ugandan football, as exemplified by the recent appointment of Serbian coach Dusan Stojanovic by the record champions, is a complex decision influenced by various factors.
While there is value in both local expertise and international perspectives, the rationale behind opting for foreign coaches often stems from a desire to win trophies and regain past glories.
Firstly, bringing in foreign coaches can provide fresh ideas, tactical knowledge, and advanced training methods that may not be as readily available locally. These coaches often have experience working in more competitive football environments and can bring a different level of professionalism and expertise to the table.
They may introduce modern systems of play, improve player development strategies, and enhance overall team performance. The hope is that such innovations will ultimately lead to success on the domestic and international stages.
Secondly, foreign coaches can contribute to raising the profile and reputation of Ugandan football on the global stage. Their international experience and connections can help attract talented players from abroad, provide exposure to different playing styles, and open doors to opportunities for Ugandan players to showcase their skills in international competitions.
This exposure can contribute to the growth and development of the sport within the country. However, it is essential to strike a balance between utilizing international expertise and nurturing local talent. Local coaches possess a deep understanding of the local football landscape, cultural nuances, and player dynamics.
They are often more familiar with the challenges faced by Ugandan footballers and can better relate to them. Additionally, local coaches may have a greater vested interest in the long-term development of the sport in the country, leading to a more sustainable and holistic approach to coaching.
To develop Ugandan football successfully, a comprehensive strategy should be adopted. This strategy could involve incorporating international coaching methods and knowledge while simultaneously investing in the development and training of local coaches.
Establishing mentorship programs, fostering partnerships with international football associations, and providing opportunities for local coaches to gain exposure and experience abroad can help bridge the gap between local and international expertise.
Ultimately, the decision to hire foreign coaches over local ones is driven by the desire for immediate success and the belief that international perspectives can catalyze the team’s performance.
However, striking a balance between local and international coaches, nurturing local talent, and implementing a long-term development plan is vital to ensure sustainable growth and success for Ugandan football in the future.