Ex-international and football administrator, Mujib Kasule, says that he was not surprised with FUFA’s decision because of the last poor performance by the team. He says the coach made obvious errors in the last Afcon fixture against South Sudan that delayed Uganda’s qualification for Afcon finals.
Ex-Uganda Cranes players have weighed in
on the suspension of the national football team head coach, Johnathan McKinstry. Early this week, the Federation of Uganda Football
Associations asked Irish tactician to set aside from his duties for a month
effective March 2.
The decision stemmed from the Uganda Cranes
poor performance in its double fixture against South Sudan where Uganda lost to
in the second leg. The situation worsened when Uganda Cranes failed to register
a single win in the African Nations Championship-CHAN and lost 5:2 to Morocco in
the last game. Uganda Cranes also lost
its second fixture against South Sudan in the Afcon qualifiers.
The Northern Irishman, who took charge
of the Uganda Cranes on September 2019, started his journey with a comfortable
win over Ethiopia in a friendly game. He, however, registered his first test in
the Afcon qualifiers against Burkina Faso, which ended in a goalless draw. McKinstry
dominated the CECAFA championship and scooped the tournament unbeaten with six
wins.
In total, the Irishman has been in
charge of the Cranes for 14 games. He has won nine, lost three and drew two. Ex-international
and football administrator, Mujib Kasule, says that he was not surprised with
FUFA’s decision because of the last poor performance by the team. He says the coach
made obvious errors in the last Afcon fixture against South Sudan that delayed
Uganda’s qualification for Afcon finals.
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McKinstry made tactical changes in the return leg against South Africa where he
opted for youngsters Karim Watambala and Alan Okello over experienced players
Mike Azira and Emmanuel Okwi. Former Uganda Cranes Players and KCC FC legend
Jackson Mayanja, says that he wasn’t also surprised with McKinstry’s
suspension.
He explains that a coach who fails to deliver results will always
be in trouble.
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results.....
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FUFA replaced McKinstry with assistant
Abdallah Mubiru who will be deputized by Livingstone Mbabazi and Fred
Kajoba. Mujib Kasule welcomed the decision, saying this is the
time for FUFA to start trusting local coaches, saying they are more
knowledgeable on Ugandan players.
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Andy Lule, another ex-international says the changes made by FUFA might be good
for the players.
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This is not the first time Abdallah Mubiru is taking charge of the Uganda Cranes
an interim head coach. Prior to the unveiling of McKinstry, FUFA assigned
Mubiru to caretake the team. During his tenure as interim coach, Mubiru
managed seven games, won four and drew 3.
What next for FUFA and McKinstry?
McKinstry, who was unveiled in September was handed a three-year contract effective
Oct 1st, 2019. This means his contact runs up to October 2022. The Federation
will have no option but to compensate him should they opt to terminate his
contract.
Fahad Muganga
Freelancer