By Daniel Muwonge
Maroons Football Club have confirmed the appointment of Umar Abdallah Loi as their new head coach on a three-year contract running from July 2025 to July 2028.
The deal also includes an option for a one-year extension. He is expected to officially assume his duties next week.
Umar joins with a wealth of experience and a strong coaching pedigree across East Africa. He holds a CAF ‘A’ License and is a graduate of FIFA’s Talent Identification and Scouting programs. He has also completed the Football Periodization and Mentorship Course at FC Barcelona.
His coaching résumé includes a runners-up finish with Malakia SC in the South Sudan Super League and back-to-back titles with Yei-Joint Stars in the South Sudan Women’s League during the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons.
He also guided Superstar FC in Bor to South Sudan Cup triumphs and has been instrumental in developing players who have progressed to the South Sudan national team.
Maroons highlighted his proven leadership, tactical knowledge, and player development focus as key reasons behind the appointment. His understanding of FUFA, CAF, and FIFA operations, coupled with a background in business administration and supply chain management, make him a well-rounded fit for the role.
Umar will be backed by an experienced technical team: Mohammad Senfuma (First Assistant Coach), Simon Peter Ojok (Second Assistant Coach), Maxwell Okello (Fitness and Conditioning Coach), Ken Rogers Tezigwa (Goalkeeping Coach), and Stephen Ekidu, who returns to the club.
The club expressed confidence that Umar’s passion, modern coaching methods, and results-driven mindset will lead the team to greater success.
