Vipers Sports Club have reportedly suspended their head coach Nikola Kavazovic, just ahead of their crucial Uganda Premier League match against defending champions SC Villa.
The clash is scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, October 5, at St. Mary’s Stadium in Kitende.
According to CK Sports, the decision to suspend Kavazovic follows an apparent disagreement between him and the club’s president, Lawrence Mulindwa.
Reports indicate that during a meeting held yesterday, Kavazovic laid out plans for the team to have two training sessions today, Friday, as well as an additional session on the morning of the match day; an approach that reportedly did not sit well with Mulindwa.
The suspension will see Kavazovic sidelined for at least a week, with instructions that he should not come near St. Mary’s Stadium during this period.
Moreover, club officials have barred any interaction with the coach during his suspension.
In Kavazovic’s absence, newly appointed first assistant coach John Ayala Luyinda and second assistant Fred Muhumuza will take charge of the team for the upcoming game.
Luyinda, who recently joined Vipers from Wakiso Giants after the expiration of his contract, will lead the technical team along with Muhumuza and the rest of the support staff.
Vipers have experienced a mixed start to their Uganda Premier League campaign this season.
After losing their opening match to NEC at Lugogo, they bounced back with a resounding 3-0 victory over Express at Kitende, only to stumble again with a goalless draw away at Lugazi in their most recent match.
The pressure on Kavazovic has been mounting, as management is eager for a competitive run at the league title, while the coach is reportedly only aiming for a top-three finish.
Kavazovic, who took over as Vipers’ head coach in June following the departure of Livingstone Mbabazi, led the team to the final of the FUFA Super 8 competition, where they were defeated by BUL.
However, his league campaign has been far from steady, managing just one win, one loss, and one draw in the opening three matches.
