From unveiled to unavailable: SC Villa’s coaching deal with Nemanja falls apart

SC Villa has officially confirmed the breakdown of negotiations with Serbian tactician Milincic Nemanja, who had been lined up to become the club’s new head coach.

The 17-time Uganda Premier League champions made the announcement via a statement posted on their official X account (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday.

“SC Villa informs its fans that its advanced contractual negotiations with Mr. Milincic Nemanja have regrettably been discontinued with immediate effect,” the statement read in part.

Just a week earlier, on Thursday, Villa had surprised fans by unveiling Milincic on a two-year deal. Photos shared on the club’s platforms showed him posing with club president Omar Mandela and the home kit, signalling what appeared to be a completed agreement.

However, just three days later, reports emerged that Milincic had abruptly returned to Serbia, allegedly pulling out of the deal. The club remained silent on the matter until Wednesday, June 25, when they confirmed the Serbian had indeed withdrawn from the arrangement before officially assuming the role.

The saga has left Villa fans and Ugandan football stakeholders questioning the professionalism of both parties. Many have been left puzzled as to how a coach unveiling including official statements and photo ops—could occur before the finalisation of a contract.

In the same statement, Villa president Omar Mandela took full responsibility for the failed negotiations and reassured Jogoos that the search for a new head coach was already underway.

“Please take note that the club president takes full responsibility for the decision not to continue with contract negotiations with Nemanja,” the statement added.

“The club expresses its sincere appreciation to Nemanja for expressing interest in the head coach role. The search for a new head coach for the upcoming season is ongoing, and fans will be updated in due course.”

Milincic’s short-lived appointment came after Villa parted ways with former head coach Morley Byekwaso, who led the team to a sixth-place finish in the Uganda Premier League last season.