David GOMBE
On Friday, 20th June, SC Villa confirmed the appointment of Serbian tactician Nemanja Milincic as their next head coach replacing Morley Byekwaso who was relieved of his duties on Thursday.
Milincic becomes the fourth Serbian to take over reins at SC Villa following in the footsteps of Milutin Micho Sredojevic, Zivojnov Srdjan and Dusan Stojanovic.
Two of his compatriots Micho and Stojanovic have been successful at the 17 time Uganda Premier league champions while Srdjan flattered.
In 2002, Micho became the first Serbian coach to manage at SC Villa winning two straight league titles between 2002-2004.
Micho also played a key role in the third when he presided over an unbeaten first round run in 2004 with 14 wins in 15 first round games before his departure.
His departure nearly cost them the league title losing four games in the second round under Sam Timbe but the Jogoos held on to end the campaign nine points clear of KCCA FC.
Srdjan was the second coach to manage at SC Villa but he was unsuccessful as he was sacked just seven games into the 2011/2012 season.
In 2023, the Jogoos appointed Dusan Stojanovic replacing Jackson Magera and Ibrahim Kirya who were close to winning the 2022/23 league title but stumbled on the final day of the campaign.
Stojanovic’s magic delivered a record extending 17th league title ending the club’s 20-year title drought and the club felt his departure during the 2024/25 season as they were dethroned by Vipers SC, finishing sixth, 24 points below the Venoms.
Milincic may not be as successful as his compatriots Micho or Stojanovic but he will have a herculean task of delivering glory back at SC Villa.
