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Sports Club Villa, Uganda’s most decorated club, has mutually terminated the contract with head coach Morley Byekwaso, ending a two-year tenure marked by ambition but marred by inconsistency.
Byekwaso, a former player turned coach, took charge of Villa’s senior team in mid-2023 following a record-breaking title win under Serbian coach Dusan Stojanovic. The appointment was intended to stabilize the club with homegrown leadership, drawing on Byekwaso’s prior coaching experience at KCCA FC and success with Uganda’s U‑20 team.
However, Villa’s performance under his watch fell short of expectations. The team suffered nine losses in 30 Uganda Premier League matches, finishing sixth in the 16-team table—well behind the title-chasing peloton and 24 points adrift of champions Vipers. On-pitch struggles and growing pressure off it led both parties to agree that a change was necessary.
As a result of constructive discussions, we have mutually consented to separate,” Villa President Omar Ahmed Mandela stated. “We thank Morley for his dedication and he has done us proud.”
Byekwaso’s Coaching Record
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2023/24 season: Appointed late in the campaign, Byekwaso helped maintain momentum after the club’s first league title in two decades.
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2024/25 season: Mixed results led to a mid-table finish, prompting scrutiny over tactical rigidity and weak second-half performances.
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Brief interim national role: Concurrently served on Uganda Cranes’ CHAN coaching panel under Paul Put, alongside Fred Muhumuza.
Critics noted a cautious tactical approach and lack of a consistent winning formula, concerns that resurfaced during his second stint with KCCA FC, which ended abruptly in 2022.
SC Villa has launched a search for a new technical leader. Nemanja Milincic, a 37-year-old Serbian with a UEFA Pro License, is expected to be named the successor. If appointed, Milincic will bring a decade of international coaching experience, including roles at the Bulgarian national team, Red Star Belgrade, AEK Athens, and Saudi clubs Al Ettifaq and Al Ahli—alongside a reputation for attacking football and defensive organization.
The club also hinted at appointing local coach Ibrahim Kirya as Milincic’s deputy, aiming to balance fresh tactical insight with institutional continuity.
If the appointment of Milincic comes true, they are signaling intent to reclaim their dominance both domestically and in regional competitions.
For Morley Byekwaso, the departure frees him to focus on international duties with the national team, where his experience with youth development remains highly valued.
