C-News Bureau Chief
The coaching merry-go-round spins rapidly in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League! Former Uganda Cranes captain and dynamic midfielder, David Obua, has stepped down as the head coach of URA FC amid a whirlwind of speculation. The club announced last Friday that both parties reached a mutual agreement to cut short Obua’s one-year contract just five months in.
The club issued a brief statement confirming the departure, citing “careful consideration and mutual agreement” between both parties.
The details behind Obua’s sudden exit remain shrouded in secrecy, with neither the club nor the coach shedding light on the reasons. However, URA FC wasted no time in appointing Alex Isabirye, a familiar face, as Obua’s successor to guide the team through the remainder of the season.
Isabirye boasts a decorated history with URA FC, having led the team to league victory in the 2010/11 season and clinching the Uganda Cup in 2012. His return to the club is seen as a strategic move to maintain stability amidst the coaching shake-up.
Obua, renowned for his illustrious career with the Uganda Cranes, Police FC, SC Villa, Kaizer Chiefs (South Africa), and Hearts FC (Scotland), brought his on-field prowess to the coaching realm. However, his tenure was marred by controversies, reminiscent of his playing days.
Known for his fiery temper and rebellious streak, Obua’s clashes with club management and officials reportedly led to strained relations behind the scenes. Despite displaying entertaining football and securing positive results, his abrasive approach alienated him from key stakeholders within the club.
This abrupt departure adds to the growing list of coaching upheavals in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League. Vipers recently bid farewell to Livingstone Mbabazi, while SC Villa is poised to part ways with Dusan Stojanovic at the end of the season.
Mbabazi’s tumultuous stint at Vipers lasted a mere two months before his departure, prompting the club to appoint Richard Wasswa as caretaker coach. Meanwhile, SC Villa eyes Morley Byekwaso as a potential successor to fill Stojanovic’s shoes.
As coaching merry-go-round continues, the league landscape braces for further twists and turns as teams navigate the final stretch of the season.