The former Uganda Cranes Coach, who also previously served as the KCCA FC manager, has publicly expressed his reservations about the appointment of Paul Put as the new head coach for Uganda Cranes. Speaking with the NBS Press Box Team last night, Mike Mutebi responded to a question regarding whether he would hire a coach with a history of match-fixing allegations. He stated, “I wouldn’t hire someone who has been convicted of match-fixing. Paul Put was suspended for three years, with his ban expiring in 2011, due to his involvement in match-fixing.
Mike Mutebi further emphasized that he never applied for the Uganda Cranes role, sharing that he was headhunted for the position in 2004 because he was deemed the right fit. When asked about the team’s playing philosophy, he explained that every coach has their own approach and that it doesn’t take much effort to instill their philosophy in a team, provided they have the right players who align with their style.
Regarding KCCA’s recent poor performances, Mutebi disclosed that the team had not adequately planned for his departure. He pointed out political interference as a significant issue and realized it was time to leave. He expressed disappointment with the current management, stating, “I am very disappointed with what is happening at KCCA FC because the current management in place has disrupted what we had established. They were unprepared for my departure, and I believe that’s why KCCA FC is struggling. I left when interference began.”
Mutebi also mentioned that he has no intention of returning to KCCA FC, as he considers his journey with the club to be completed. He highlighted the club’s decision to abandon its youth program as a critical problem, stating, “Discontinuing the youth program was the primary issue for the club. How can you bring in players who don’t fit the club’s playing style? We need to reinstate youth development, be patient with them, and eventually, it will yield positive results. During my time at KCCA FC, we were competitive on the continent without relying on foreign players, and perhaps the board didn’t appreciate that.”
Mike Mutebi, known for his disciplinary coaching approach, has been linked to several clubs, including the possibility of a return to KCCA FC and managing Vipers SC.
