SC Villa has named Serbian tactician Kovacevic Zeljko as its new head coach, ending weeks of speculation around the club’s top job.
The announcement came Tuesday, July 1, through a statement on the club’s official social media platforms.
“SC Villa, Uganda’s record football champions, is delighted to announce the appointment of Kovacevic Zeljko as the new club head coach,” read part of the statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The club described Zeljko as “an exciting prospect,” praising his “unique understanding of the game.”
It added:
“The Club has no doubt that he will, in the fullness of time, turn around its fortunes and make it the best Club on the Continent.”
Zeljko, a former defender known for his discipline and leadership during his playing days, arrives with more than a decade of coaching experience. He is widely respected among his peers as one of modern football’s sharpest tacticians.
Though he played at the back, the club says his approach reflects a keen understanding of attacking formations and contemporary styles of play.
“Zeljko brings to the Club some of the unique qualities that it has sought after for a very long time,” the statement noted.
The club has promised to back him fully.
According to the statement:
“SC Villa undertakes to fully support him and ensure that he meets his targets and the Club’s aspirations within the shortest time.”
Zeljko’s arrival follows the breakdown of earlier negotiations with fellow Serbian coach Nemanja Milincic.
SC Villa finished sixth last season under coach Morley Byekwaso. With Zeljko now in charge, officials say they’re optimistic about pushing back into title contention.
Club leadership also addressed fans directly, saying there is “serious work” happening behind the scenes to prepare for the upcoming season.
SC Villa has already begun preseason training at East High School in Ntinda. The new Uganda Premier League season is expected to kick off on September 26, with fixtures scheduled to be released on August 26.
