The Uganda Cranes coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has dominated the media headlines in the past one week as he has been linked with a move to Sudanese side Al Hilal.
Micho who also handles the National U-23 team says that he will honour the contract he has with FUFA. The FUFA communications department through the www.fufa.co.ug caught up with the Serbian and pours out his heart about his job, loyalty and the speculation.
Note: FUFA Website (FW), Milutin Sredojevic (MS)
FW: Coach, Hard luck about Saturday’s game when the Uganda U-23 team lost to Mozambique on penalties. How are you recovering and also containing emotions following that loss?
MS: It’s very hard to swallow the bitter pill when we lost in the most painful way on penalties especially knowing that we were the dominant side in both matches but lady luck wasn’t on our side.
We put in enormous amount and quality of work while selecting a very young and inexperienced squad which is the future pillar of Ugandan football.
The All African Games qualifiers are used as development competitions from which we promote players to Uganda Cranes after giving them mileage in their legs. When we ask these young players to deliver immediately after being established in the junior team it is like expecting a newly born baby to walk and run.
By no means shall we give up as building a team is a process that amongst other attributes patience is paramount. Time ahead will prove that trust, confidence and belief in these boys will payback with performance and results.
FW: What do you think went wrong in the Uganda vs Mozambique match at Nakivubo stadium?
MS: Despite playing against a very good team consisting of players that have been together for a long time and some playing in Europe, we were the absolute dominant side in both matches. The pace of the game, time limits, space with high and aggressive pressure on the ball, are higher in international games than local football.
We have done very well defensively but we need to be faster with creative and surprise build ups that would create more chances for goals against opponents that play ultra-defensive-parking the bus.
We created numerous chances but didn’t convert them into goals that change the complexion of the game.
In football some teams get results by defending and waiting for penalties.
We unfortunately lost the game but we have learned lessons on how to play against teams that reinforce their back lines. There is no universal formula in football except time and hardworking.
FW: International engagements are coming thick and fast for the Junior sides (All Africa Games and Olympic Games) then the National senior team-Uganda Cranes. How ready are you for these games?
MS: We are absolutely ready for all upcoming activities as they are part of the long term plans for 2015 that include the AFCON 2017, 2018 World Cup Qualifiers and AFCON 2019.
We have action packed times ahead and everything is planned for up to the last details. We are driven by support from our fans and we shall do anything possible to put Uganda where we deserve to be- amongst the best in Africa.
FW: You have traversed almost the entire African countries on football duties. Are you about to make another switch from Uganda to another country?
MS: I am an integral part of a project that will put Ugandan football amongst the best in Africa. I am also a supporter who has a contract with Uganda. Even if I left Uganda, I would still remain a die-hard supporter. At present I am firmly dedicated, committed and loyal to serve the country and Ugandan football in the most professional way as I have always done and will forever do.
FW: Are you feeling any pressures on your job?
MS: When you go through a life time experience of a civil war and NATO bombings you get operated from the sense of pressure or fear.
I have lost sense of pressure but I feel enormous amount of responsibility together with other stakeholders in Ugandan football to deliver to football supporters the desired final product. The road to success is not a bed of roses. It passes through several developmental stages. Whoever thinks that it is an easy journey is very wrong.
The development stages involves; basic filter selection and recruitment, development competitions (underage competitions where the aim is not just results but producing players for the senior team) / Competitive target competitions (AFCON/World Cup).
FW: Your name has been mentioned in the media quite often in the past few days. Does this put you way up there as one of the most sought after coaches in Africa?
MS: Since coming to Africa I have been hardworking, dedicated and committed which have helped me build my name across the continent and become a brand. Since coming to Uganda I have been approached by 17 clubs and 4 national teams.
In all situations I have executed professionalism informing my bosses about the interested parties that I have asked to approach my employers FUFA with whom I have a binding contract.
FW: Sudanese side Al Hilal seems to be interested in your services. Are they aware of your contractual obligations with FUFA?
MS: Some time back they approached me and I directed them to communicate with FUFA but I am not sure they did so. Al Hilal is amongst the top 5 clubs in Africa with by far the best supporters in African football and it is a big honour to me to have such a club get interested in my services.
FW: What crosses your mind when clubs or other countries come knocking on the door for your services?
MS: For any human being let alone coach it is a privilege that clubs or other countries are interested in your services. It means a lot and it is a sign of recognizing values but on the other side it could bring problems as people raise eyebrows questioning your loyalty, dedication, commitment and focus but for me it is purely recognition of values.
FW: Are you ready to honour the contract you have with FUFA?
MS: As a genuine professional I will honour the contract I have with FUFA with diligent service to the nation.
FW: What’s your message to the fans?
MS: Dear fans, life nowadays is not an easy ride but I want to re-assure you that I will in all my capacity do anything possible to see that dream of all Ugandan football supporters comes true by providing the final product (roof of our house of success) and targets of all targets- AFCON qualification spots for, 2017, 2019, CHAN 2016 and World cup 2018.
For this to happen, we already have a strong weapon-your unreserved support but we need additional weapons like detailed Technical plan. At present we are executing that need that will have dedication, commitment, hard work and the much needed patience to keep the existing team that came close to qualifying for AFCON 2015.
We need to maintain whatever was good and improve on the wrongs. On that road your support in good and bad times is much needed as the driving force to achieve our targets.
Photo credit: FUFA Communications department
