Africa-Press – Uganda. Uganda’s record football champions SC Villa have confirmed the appointment of Croatian coach Kovacevic Zeljko as their new head coach, following the unexpected collapse of earlier negotiations with Serbian tactician Nemanja Milincic.
The shift, announced through a press release dated July 1, 2025, came just 11 days after Milincic was unveiled with much fanfare at Villa Park.
The Jogoos have now revealed that while both parties had reached an agreement in principle, a formal contract was never signed, and the working relationship was discontinued by mutual consent.
“Unanticipated circumstances that touch the core values of the club emerged,” the statement read in part.
“Following careful consideration by both the Club and the prospective coach, both parties mutually agreed in their best interests not to proceed with a formal coaching engagement at this time.”
Milincic, a Uefa Pro Licence holder with experience at Red Star Belgrade, AEK Athens, and the Bulgarian national team, had only just arrived in Uganda to begin his tenure.
However, sources close to the club suggest the Serbian tactician may have been disillusioned upon encountering conditions that fell short of what he had been promised, with former SC Villa coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojević believed to have played a key role in convincing him to take up the job.
Milincic reportedly booked a ticket on the first and fasted plane out of the country even before he had settled down and the contract collapsed on its own.
Officials at the club have been cagey about what really went south because the Serbian was bringing in all the airs of optimism and expected to follow in the footsteps of fellow compatriots Micho and Dusan Stojanovic.
Stojanovic ended the Jogoos’ 20-year wait for a 17th league title after the last won by Micho in 2004 by claiming the 2023/24 league title.
While rumours of internal disagreement and infrastructure concerns swirled, the club remained silent until the official clarification was issued.
“The club expresses its sincere appreciation to Nemanja for interesting himself in taking up the Head Coach role at the Club,” the statement continued.
“The Club President takes full responsibility for the decision not to continue with contract negotiations.”
Milincic’s abrupt departure has paved the way for Croatian coach Kovacevic Zeljko to take over. According to Villa, Zeljko brings over 12 years of experience and is known for his tactical modernity and defensive expertise. He joins with immediate effect.
“Zeljko is very welcome to Uganda’s record champions,” Villa said in a separate announcement.
“The Club undertakes to fully support him and ensure that he meets his targets and the Club’s aspirations within the shortest time.”
The coaching reshuffle follows the exit of Morley Byekwaso on June 19, who had guided the team to a sixth-place finish last season after succeeding Dusan Stojanovic, the Serbian who led Villa to their dramatic 2024 title.
With pre-season preparations underway and expectations high among the club’s loyal fanbase, attention now turns to Zeljko’s ability to steady the ship and reignite SC Villa’s pursuit of domestic and continental glory.
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