Milutin Sredojević Explained

Milutin Sredojević
Birth Date:1 September 1969
Birth Place:Prokuplje, SFR Yugoslavia
Currentclub:Libya
Position:Striker
Youthyears1:1980–1987
Youthclubs1:Olimpija Ljubljana
Years1:1987–1988
Years2:1988–1989
Years3:1989–1991
Years4:1991–1993
Years5:1993–1994
Clubs1:Svoboda Ljubljana
Clubs2:Sinđelić Belgrade
Clubs3:Grafičar Belgrade
Clubs4:Zorka Subotica
Clubs5:Pionir Subotica
Manageryears1:1994–2000
Manageryears2:2000–2001
Manageryears3:2001
Manageryears5:2002–2004
Manageryears6:2004–2006
Manageryears7:2006
Manageryears8:2007
Manageryears9:2007–2010
Manageryears10:2010–2011
Manageryears11:2011–2013
Manageryears12:2013–2017
Manageryears13:2017–2019
Manageryears14:2019
Manageryears15:2020–2021
Manageryears16:2021–2023
Manageryears17:2023–
Managerclubs1:Palić
Managerclubs2:Spartak Subotica
Managerclubs3:Yugoslavia U20
Managerclubs5:SC Villa
Managerclubs6:Saint-George SA
Managerclubs7:Orlando Pirates
Managerclubs8:Young Africans FC
Managerclubs9:Saint-George SA
Managerclubs10:Al-Hilal Omdurman
Managerclubs11:Rwanda
Managerclubs12:Uganda
Managerclubs13:Orlando Pirates
Managerclubs14:Zamalek
Managerclubs15:Zambia
Managerclubs16:Uganda
Managerclubs17:Libya

Milutin Sredojević (Serbian: Милутин Средојевић; born 1 September 1969), simply known as Micho, is a Serbian football manager.

Playing career

Sredojević formerly played for Svoboda Ljubljana, Sinđelić Belgrade, Grafičar Belgrade, Zorka Subotica and Pionir Subotica. He operated as a defensive midfielder but was cut short by a recurring knee injury but he opted to cross to coaching to stay in the game of football.[1]

Managerial career

SC Villa

Micho was still in his early 30s when he set off on his African adventure that started at Kampala club SC Villa, where the management got Him from one European competition through the legendary journalist, John Kevin Aliro who worked with the Radio France International[1] At Villa, Micho guided the club to 3 consecutive league titles (2002, 2002–03 and 2004), but the 2002 season will forever remain memorable in the history books of Uganda's football as Villa won the league title with only one loss in 28 games, on top of being crowned the Uganda Cup (Kakungulu winners) Villa, was also league winners the following year and CECAFA Club victors after 17 years since Villa had last won the championships.[2]

Saint-George

Micho signed a three-year contract with St. George on 19 July 2004 and He replaced a Dutch national[3] When he joined St. George and he guided them to 2004/05, 2005/06 and 2007/08 to league success picking up 19 wins, 5 draws and no loss in 2007/08 season. He was also voted best coach of the season for the third time after guiding the same team to league success in 2004/05 and 2005/06 season.[4]

Orlando Pirates

On 14 June 2006, Sredojević was appointed as the new head coach of South African Premier Soccer League giants Orlando Pirates replacing Kosta Papić who resigned and joined Maritzburg United[5] the Serbian had a relative success in continental club competitions guiding South African giants Orlando Pirates to the semi-finals of the African Champions League in 2006.[6] Micho is remembered by giving teenage Senzo Meyiwa a debut against AmaZulu in a league match won 2–1 by The Bucs at Ellis Park on 8 November 2006.[7] Micho was at Orlando Pirates for 217 days.[8] On 16 January 2007, Micho parted ways with Orlando Pirates.[9]

Young Africans FC

Micho joined Young Africans FC in 2007[10] and helped them win the league title.

Saint-George

Returned to Saint-George SA in 2007 up to 2010. St. George lifted the aforementioned Midroc Ethiopia Millennium trophy on 1 June with Saladin Said with an incredible 21 goals became top scorer 2007–2008,[11] in 2008-2009 won the Ethiopian Premier league, Ethiopian national cup trophy and Ethiopian Super cup. In 2009-2010 won again the Ethiopian Premier League,[12] he guided saint George to CECAFA CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP KAGAME CUP finals 2010 IN Kigali Rwanda though APR FC won it by 2goals to 0 Malawian born striker, Chiukepo Msowoya, scored the first goal on the 92nd minute of extra-time and set the second goal for Victor Nyirenda to seal the victory on the 96th minute.[13]

Al-Hilal Sudan

Sredojević took over Al-Hilal Omdurman in July 2010.[14] He managed the team for two seasons in 2010 and 2011, where he won two league titles, reached the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup in 2010 and semi-finals of the 2011 CAF Champions League where they lost to CS Sfaxien of Tunisia in penalty after 1–1 aggregate.[15]

Rwanda

On 1 November 2011, Sredojević was unveiled as the new head coach of the Rwanda,[16] Sredojević replaced Ghanaian SellasTetteh, who left the post two months ago after a 5–0 defeat to Ivory Coast in a 2012 African Nations Cup qualifier, He was chosen from a five-man shortlist that included Stephen Keshi, Ratomir Dujković, Patrice Neveu and Branko Smiljanić.[17] Micho guided Rwanda to group stages of the 2014 FIFA world Cup qualifiers in Group H along with Algeria, Mali and Benin after winning 4–2 goal aggregate against Eritrea.[18] He was fired on 17 April.[19]

Uganda

He became manager of Uganda in May 2013 after defeating other 37 people who had applied for the post.[20] The appointment follows the sacking of Scotsman Robert ‘Bobby’ Williamson in April 2013, he signed a two-year contract well as Sam Timbe and Kefa Kisala were also announced as assistant coaches, while Fred Kajoba retained his position as goalkeepers’ coach.[21] Sredojević's first assignment as Cranes coach was between Libya versus Uganda at Tripoli International Stadium and at the end of the match Libya defeated Uganda by 3 goals to 0 which were scored in the first half,[22] in that game 6 of Cranes 22 players in Libya were debutantes and these were Herman Wasswa, Richard Kasagga, Israel Emuge, William Luwagga Kizito, Alex Kakuba and Ali Kimera.[23]

CHAN 2014

In January 2014, coach Sedrojevic,[24] invited him to be included in the Uganda |23 player team for the 2014 African Nations Championship.[25] [26] The team placed third in the group stage of the competition after beating Burkina Faso, drawing with Zimbabwe and losing to Morocco.[27] [28] Uganda finished third in Group E with seven points in AFRICON 2015 qualifiers where by Togo leading Ghana second and Guinea at the bottom.[29]

2015

On 1 April 2015 FUFA president Moses Magogo added Micho a 3 years contract after he registered 60 percent success in the matches he handled, Micho handled the Uganda Cranes in 35 matches registering 18 victories, 5 draws and 12 losses since 2013 to 2015.[30] On 26 October 2015 Micho guided back Uganda Cranes to 2016 CHAN Championship in Rwanda after beating hosts Sudan 2–0 goals were scored by Caesar Okhuti and Farouk Miya at the Khartoum National Stadium to qualify on a 4–0 goal aggregate,[31] this was Uganda's third appearance at the CHAN finals after the tournaments in Sudan and South Africa in 2011 and 2014 respectively.[32] In CECAFA 2015 The Cranes topped Group B after winning against Burundi and Zanzibar before overcoming Malawi in the quarter finals. In the semifinals, Micho's side overcame the host nation, Ethiopia 5–3 following a goalless draw in normal time and the 30 extra added minutes.[33] Micho won his first Cecafa title for Uganda in 2015 after beating Rwanda 1–0 in the final and the goal was scored by Caesar Okhuti in the 15th minute.[34] Under Micho's guidance The Cranes convincingly swept aside The Sparrow Hawks of Togo to progress to the group stages of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers in a resounding 4–0 aggregate win over Togo over two legs – 0–1 at the Stade de Kegue and other 3–0 in the return at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole was just enough to put Cranes in the group stages.[35]

2016

At CHAN 2016 Uganda Cranes finished in the third position in group D, where Zambia led the group followed by Mali and Zimbabwe last.[36] On 4 September 2016, Micho led the Uganda Cranes team to qualifications for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 38 years.[37] The Cranes finished the qualification round very strongly as Group D runners-up, behind west African side Burkina Faso who needed a late win over Botswana, with 13 points safe in the bag, Uganda finished as one of the two best group runners-up to finally progress to the elusive stage.[38] The Africa Cup of Nations draw placed Egypt, Mali and Ghana in Uganda's Group D.[39] on 7 January 2016 Uganda attained the best ever position on the FIFA rankings in the 62nd out of the 209 FIFA Member Associations.[40] Micho guided Uganda after 38 year old jinx to qualify for the biggest continental football fiesta – the African Cup of Nations, Farouk Miya scored 1–0 against the Island nation, Comoros in the 35th minute.[41] Micho takes credit for developing the goalkeeper Denis Onyango, who has just been named African Player of the Year based in Africa for 2016, having worked with him in his first spell in Uganda.[42] In December 2016, Sredojević was among the nominees for the prestigious CAF Coach of the Year Award following his exploits in 2016.[43] Uganda was voted as a national team of the year 2016 in CAF awards[44] Sredojević has so far won 14 league titles in five different big clubs in the African continent.[45]

2017

In February 2017, in the last days of the winter transfer period, coach Sredojević recommended Khalid Aucho to join Red Star Belgrade.[46]

On Saturday, 29 July 2017 during a fully packed press conference held at Pine Hall, Kabira Country Club in Kampala, Sredojević confirmed the termination of the employment contract with Uganda football governing body which had occurred on Friday, 28 July 2017 at 8 p.m. due to non payment of salaries for several months.[47]

Orlando Pirates

On Thursday 3 August 2017, Orlando Pirates FC officially announced the return of coach Sredojević to the South African top-flight football club following his departure from the Uganda Cranes. Sredojević replaced Kjell Jonevret who had resigned on Wednesday 2 August 2017.[48] Micho's first game as the manager of Orlando Pirates was against Chippa's United, Orlando Pirates won the match 1–0 which was scored by Thamsanqa Gabuza.[49] Micho used the following line up in that game Wayne Sandilands as the goalkeeper, Gladwin Shitolo, Ntsikelelo Nyauza, Thabo Matlaba, Innocent Maela, Abbubaker Mobara, Thamsanqa Sangweni, Mpho Makola (Issa Sarr 84'), Thabo Qalinge, Musa Nyatama, (Luvuyo Memela 62'), Thamsanqa Gabuza (Tendai Ndoro 77')During his first season in ABSA Premier League Micho led Orlando Pirates to a second-place finish on the Absa Premiership log, as well as qualifying the team for the CAF Champions League.[50] While at Orlando Pirates he was in charge of 80 games across all competitions, winning 38, drawing 26, while losing 16 and on 16 August 2019 he retired as Orlando Pirates manager. It was later revealed that Micho resigned and left the country because he had been accused of rape.[51]

Zamalek

On 17 August 2019, it was announced that Sredojević will be joining Zamalek SC as their new manager; he signed a one-year contract.[52] His uncle Dušan Nenković had also coached Zamalek SC from 1985 to 1986.[53]

On 2 December 2019, Zamalek announced that Sredojević has been sacked less than four months into his new job.[54]

Zambia

On 3 February 2020, Sredojević was unveiled as the head coach of Zambia national team,[55] where he signed a two-year contract.[56]

On 17 July 2021, the Football Association of Zambia announced Sredojević had left his role via mutual consent.[57]

Uganda

On 27 July 2021, he was announced as the new Head Coach of the Uganda national team, he signed a three-year contract.[58] however on 14th September 2023 his contract was mutually terminated.[59]

Managerial statistics

Managerial record by team and tenure
TeamFromToRecord
Saint George1 July 200413 June 2006
Orlando Pirates14 June 200616 January 2007
Saint George1 January 200826 June 2010
Al-Hilal27 June 20103 October 2011
Rwanda1 November 201117 April 2013
Uganda20 May 201329 July 2017
Total

Background

Sredojević studied history and geography, and he is grandson of WWI hero Milutin; Prokuplje, an old Byzantine village is the place where Sredojević was born.[60] Sredojević is a cousin brother to coach Aleksandar Janković.[61]

Role models

Sredojević has huge respect for legendary role model coaches including Miljan Miljanić (former Yugoslavia, Real Madrid) and Tomislav Ivić, regarded as the father of zonal pressing in modern football.[1] Sredojević is a great admirer of late Johan Cruyff, who he considers “fathers of modern coaching”.[62]

Managerial honors

SC Villa

3

2002, 2002–03, 2004

1

2002

1

2003

Saint-George

5

2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010,

2

2005, 2009

Al-Hilal Omdurman

1

2010

1

2011

Rwanda

Uganda

1

2015

Zamalek

Individual honors

2002, 2003, 2004

2004/05, 2005/06, 2007/08, 2008/09, 2009/10[4]

2010/11

2011 – Semi-finals

2010 – Semi-finals

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Grandson of World War hero leads Uganda out of four-decade. App. Daily Monitor. 10 July 2018. en.
  2. News: Micho: Meet the Serbian linguist in love with African Football. 27 July 2013. Kawowo Sports. 10 July 2018. en-US.
  3. News: Ethiopia/Uganda: St. George Glorifies Micho. Muwonge. William. 13 August 2004. New Vision (Kampala). 10 July 2018.
  4. News: 'Micho' wins third Ethiopian title. www.realnet.co.uk. Kick Off. 10 July 2018. en-gb. 10 July 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180710194515/http://www.kickoff.com/news/3382/micho-wins-third-ethiopian-title. dead.
  5. News: Uganda: Micho Named As New Orlando Pirates Coach. Ndawula. Benedict Nyombi & Innocent. 13 June 2006. The Monitor (Kampala). 10 July 2018.
  6. Web site: Serbian 'Micho' appointed Uganda Cranes coach Goal.com. www.goal.com. en. 10 July 2018.
  7. News: Micho speaks on '5 star' Orlando Pirates captain Meyiwa. www.realnet.co.uk. Kick Off. 10 July 2018. en-gb. 10 July 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180710163815/http://www.kickoff.com/news/49859/micho-speaks-on-5-star-orlando-pirates-captain-meyiwa. dead.
  8. Web site: Pirates' Five Shortest Coaching Reigns. www.soccerladuma.co.za. en. 10 July 2018. 10 July 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180710194911/https://www.soccerladuma.co.za/fan-park/update/orlando-pirates/8980. dead.
  9. News: Pirates, Sredojevic part ways. News24. 10 July 2018. en.
  10. News: Mike Mutebi backs Micho for success. 22 May 2013. Kawowo Sports. 10 July 2018. en-US.
  11. Web site: St. George football team - Addis Ababa. www.ezega.com. 10 July 2018.
  12. News: Kipa Ivo Mapunda, Kocha Micho, wang'ara Ligi ya Ethiopia. JamiiForums The Home of Great Thinkers. 10 July 2018. en-US.
  13. News: APR wins Kagame Cup. 30 May 2010. The New Times Rwanda. 10 July 2018. en.
  14. News: Former Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic wins Sudan title. www.realnet.co.uk. Kick Off. 10 July 2018. en-gb. 10 July 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180710163755/http://www.kickoff.com/news/19066/former-orlando-pirates-coach-milutin-sredojevic-wins-sudan-title. dead.
  15. Web site: AL HILAL APPOINT CRANES TACTICIAN MICHO AS HEAD COACH | Galaxy FM 100.2 . 11 July 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171002170240/http://galaxyfm.co.ug/2015/03/08/al-hilal-appoint-cranes-tactician-micho-head-coach . 2 October 2017 . dead .
  16. News: MilutinSredojevic appointed Rwanda coach . BBC Sport . British Broadcasting Corporation . 1 November 2011 . 26 November 2011 .
  17. News: Micho Sredojevic beats Stephen Keshi to Rwanda job. www.realnet.co.uk. Kick Off. 10 July 2018. en-gb. 10 July 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180710194456/http://www.kickoff.com/news/25271/micho-sredojevic-beats-stephen-keshi-to-rwanda-job. dead.
  18. Web site: MTNFootball - Rwanda vs Eritrea . 11 July 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171002170108/https://mtnfootball.com/match/centre/9247/Rwanda-vs-Eritrea . 2 October 2017 . dead .
  19. News: Rwanda part company with coach Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic . BBC Sport . British Broadcasting Corporation . 17 April 2013 . 18 April 2013. Andrew Jackson Oryada .
  20. News: Uganda appoint Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic as new coach. BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 21 May 2013. 22 May 2013. Andrew Jackson Oryada.
  21. News: Micho Unveiled As Cranes Coach. Oryada. Andrew Jackson. Uganda Radio Network. 10 July 2018. en.
  22. News: Libya Sees Off Uganda in Micho's Maiden Match. 1 June 2013. Kawowo Sports. 10 July 2018. en-US.
  23. News: Cranes braced for Libya clash in Micho's first game. 31 May 2013. Kawowo Sports. 10 July 2018. en-US.
  24. Web site: Ghana missed Andre Ayew and Kwadwo Asamoah in Uganda draw - Micho. mobile.ghanaweb.com. 8 October 2016. 10 July 2018.
  25. Web site: Uganda Cranes Regroup For CHAN 2014 Preparations . kawowo.com . 11 February 2014 . dead . https://archive.today/20140211135431/http://www.kawowo.com/index.php/football/16844/16844.html . 11 February 2014 .
  26. Web site: Uganda makes changes in squad for 2014 Africa Nations Championship . https://web.archive.org/web/20140221213556/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/sports/2014-01/05/c_133018954.htm . dead . 21 February 2014 . xinhuanet.com . 11 February 2014.
  27. Web site: Uganda's impressive CHAN start . espnfc.com . 11 February 2014.
  28. Web site: Zimbabwe vs Uganda Preview . goal.com/ . 11 February 2014.
  29. Web site: Togo Coach Tchakala praises Micho - FUFA Super League 2014/15 - Uganda. dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20141215142120/http://africanfootball.com/news/484541/Togo-Coach-Tchakala-praises-Micho . 15 December 2014 .
  30. News: UGANDA CRANES: FUFA Commits Coach Milutin Sredojević Till 2018 - FUFA: Federation of Uganda Football Associations. 1 April 2015. FUFA: Federation of Uganda Football Associations. 10 July 2018. en-US.
  31. Web site: Uganda qualifies for 2016 CHAN Championship - Xinhua English.news.cn. news.xinhuanet.com. 10 July 2018.
  32. News: Uganda Cranes bow out of CHAN finals after 1-1 draw - Matooke Republic. 27 January 2016. Matooke Republic. 10 July 2018. en-GB.
  33. News: Micho dedicates CECAFA victory to Mulindwa & Magogo. 5 December 2015. Kawowo Sports. 10 July 2018. en-US.
  34. Web site: Uganda wins record Cecafa title. supersport.com. 17 September 2020. 15 February 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220215173955/https://supersport.com/football/cecafa-cup/news/151205/Uganda_wins_record_Cecafa_title. dead.
  35. News: World Cup 2018: Uganda advances to group stages. www.newvision.co.ug. 10 July 2018.
  36. News: Micho satisfied with Cranes' CHAN 2016 performance. 28 January 2016. Kawowo Sports. 10 July 2018. en-US.
  37. https://www.kawowo.com/2016/03/24/burkina-faso-vs-uganda-who-is-who-in-the-cranes-squad-afcon-2017-qualifiers/ Burkina Faso vs Uganda, Who is who in the cranes squad
  38. News: FINALLY: Uganda qualifies for AFCON 2017. www.newvision.co.ug. 10 July 2018.
  39. News: Uganda/Ghana: Uganda Draws Ghana, Egypt Again in Afcon Finals. 20 October 2016. The Independent (Kampala). 10 July 2018.
  40. News: FIFA Rankings: Uganda now 62nd, the best ever ranking - FUFA: Federation of Uganda Football Associations. 7 January 2016. FUFA: Federation of Uganda Football Associations. 10 July 2018. en-US.
  41. News: Afcon 2017: Uganda clinch finals spot for first time since 1978. 4 September 2016. BBC Sport. 10 July 2018. en-GB.
  42. News: Micho, the 'soldier and servant of African football'. App. Daily Nation. 10 July 2018. en.
  43. Web site: Micho nominated for top Caf Award. SuperSport. 18 August 2019.
  44. Web site: AWARDS WINNERS. Football. CAF - Confederation of African. www.cafonline.com. en-US. 10 July 2018.
  45. Web site: Micho's greatest achievement: Leading Uganda to first AFCON in 38 years - 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers - Malawi. African Football. 10 July 2018.
  46. Web site: Zvezda dovela reprezentativca Ugande i odmah ga poslala na pozajmicu (VIDEO) . . sr . 20 February 2017 .
  47. News: Micho terminates contract with FUFA as Uganda Cranes head coach. 29 July 2017. Kawowo Sports. 10 July 2018. en-US.
  48. News: Milutin 'Micho' Sredojević confirmed as new Orlando Pirates coach. 10 July 2018. en-US.
  49. News: PSL Absa Premiership match report Orlando Pirates vs Chippa United. www.realnet.co.uk. Kick Off. 10 July 2018. en-gb. 19 October 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181019163701/http://www.kickoff.com/news/78173/psl-absa-premiership-match-report-orlando-pirates-vs-chippa-united. dead.
  50. Web site: Legend Lauds Micho. Soccer Laduma. 3 May 2018.
  51. Web site: Shocking: Ex- Cranes Coach Micho resigned from Orlando Pirates after trying to 'rape' a hotel cleaner. 18 August 2019.
  52. Web site: Zamalek appoint Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic as new manager. kingfut.com. 17 August 2019.
  53. Web site: Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic swaps Orlando Pirates for Zamalek. BBC Sport. 19 August 2019.
  54. Web site: Micho sacked by Zamalek – reports. citizen.co.za. 2 December 2019 . 2 December 2019.
  55. Web site: Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic Micho takes over as Zambia coach . BBC . 3 February 2020 .
  56. Web site: Micho Sredojevic spells out Zambia ambition after being appointed coach . COSAFA . 5 February 2020 .
  57. Web site: FAZ, Micho Part Ways. Football Association of Zambia . 17 July 2021. 19 July 2021 .
  58. Web site: Micho returns as Cranes coach. 27 July 2021.
  59. Web site: Uganda Cranes Coach, Micho Sacked . 14 September 2023 .
  60. Web site: MILUTIN "MICHO" SREDOJEVIĆ, GLOBETROTTER HEAD COACH - MondoFutbol. www.mondofutbol.com. 20 April 2018 . it-IT. 10 July 2018.
  61. News: Micho's cousin takes over head coach role at Standard Liege. 8 September 2016. Kawowo Sports. 10 July 2018. en-US.
  62. News: Micho sympathises with 'coaching inspiration' Cruyff after cancer diagnosis. 22 October 2015. Kawowo Sports. 10 July 2018. en-US.
  63. News: Pirates gaffer Micho named Coach of the Month Goal.com. 10 July 2018. en.