Uganda Cranes head coach, Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic, has reportedly turned down an offer by Botswana Football Association to coach the national team ÔÇô Botswana Zebras.
The Serbian admitted to the Ugandan media that he was contacted by Botswana Football Association (BFA) but couldn’t give up his current role with the Uganda Cranes as head coach. “Yes they have been interested in me and we have been in contact, but I cannot let down Uganda that I am so attached to and have a running contract,” Micho told Mtnfootball.com
There had been earlier claims about Micho’s possible acceptance of the new job, which claims Micho denied. “That is impossible because I am already committed to my current job with the Cranes,” said Micho.
Micho who was sacked by Rwanda in April last year, was appointed the Uganda Cranes coach, having emerged the best from a total of 37 applicants who were vying for the post. He has guided the Uganda Cranes to 3rd position of Group B of the ongoing Africa National Championship (CHAN) in South Africa.
He also steered Cranes to quarterfinals of the 2013 CECAFA Championship, a tournament that was won by hosts, Kenya. His biggest achievement with Amavubi of Rwanda was a runners-up spot at the 2011 Cecafa Senior Challenge, the East and Central African regional Championship.
The post fell vacant after Stanley Tshosane was fired for what the BFA described as poor performance and failing to meet set targets for the Zebras. Tshosane failed to reach the finals of the African Nations Championship ( CHAN), and also failed to reach the semi finals of the 2013 COSAFA Cup as they had demanded of him, the BFA said in a statement.
Botswana also failed to make it to the final qualification stages of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The team has been on a downward spiral ever since a fairytale journey that saw them qualify for the continental showpiece almost two years ago.
Tshosane signed a new three-year deal with the BFA in 2012 and was supposed to guide the team until end of 2015.
