Isabirye and Masaba carry a good message

The appointment of Alex Isabirye and Simeon Masaaba as head coaches for Vipers and Bul respectively must be greeted with gratitude. Two top clubs have followed KCCA’s example and decided to give locals a chance.

In terms of financial muscle, all three clubs can attract professional coaches as Vipers have done on a couple of occasions. Where we are, is that the Kitende-based club has decided, at least for now, to trust locals too.

While it’s a massive career growth opportunity for Isabirye, Masaba, and Morley Byekwaso, it is imperative to note that the national argument of giving a local coach a chance to handle the Cranes would never hold water if the top clubs in the country are shunning them. For the last three weeks, several retired footballers; among them, celebrities, have been attending a CAF C coaching course that prepares them for the next level coaching badge. Seeing the likes of Tony Mawejje, Hassan Wasswa, and Dan Wagaluka among others pleasantly tickled me.

 Two weeks ago, KCCA announced that they had launched a programme of giving a chance and platform to their former players to practice their coaching skills at Lugogo to encourage them to pursue coaching careers. Their maiden examples were Mike Mutyaba and Sadam Juma. These latest developments are significant to Ugandan football as clearly they prove that there is a national consciousness towards the need to pull together as a football community and play our part to develop the game we love so much. Conversely, it begs the question of what will happen to all these technical capacities we are building if football has no jobs for them. In giving an opportunity to local coaches, KCCA, Bul, and Vipers  are providing part of the answer.

 Now, the others who have developed the passion for coaching can be motivated to pursue their badges.  Admittedly, it’s not that previous generations of ex-footballers were not interested in coaching as a career. Indeed;  Sam Ssimbwa, Moses Basena, George Nsimbe, Sula Kato, George Ssimwogerere, Kefa Kisaala, Jackson Mayanja, Ibrahim Kirya, Asaph Mwebaze, Abdallah Mubiru, Matthias  Lule, Wasswa Bbosa, Livingstone Mbabazi, Steven Bogere, Paul Nkata are among illustrious names that have been synonymous with coaching. The problem is that some of these got frustrated for different reasons and lost the zeal for the job. The lack of opportunity is a major reason for many who have dropped off altogether.

While no one doubts that professional coaches have an extra dimension because of their exposure, experience, and qualifications, there is no proof that they have a deeper knowledge of the game ahead of our local coaches. The example of Mike Mutebi must always be given but even he needed to be trusted first by KCCA. I have followed Isabirye’s short career but without much pomp, he has demonstrated a coaching talent. Masaaba has been quieter as his opportunities have been with lesser clubs like Onduparaka but I have seen firsthand, how he goes about his craft. All he needs is trust. Wakiso Giants, Bright Stars, and Maroons are playing palatable football this season; challenging the big boyz on the pitch. The struggles of Beto Bianchi who parted ways with Vipers after less than 10 games was not a case against professional coaches. It was one more reason why the big clubs owe local coaches a chance. Imagine if rather than paying huge salaries to professional coaches, our clubs invested half that money in upgrading the best local coaches they can attract. With improved salary incentives and allowances as motivation, our local boys would go the extra mile to scout for the best talents available across the country. Knowing Ugandan football and the environment the players come from, the local coaches would have that extra edge over the professionals and who knows? Doors would be opened for many more. If this wasn’t the thinking behind Vipers decision to finally give the likes of Isabirye a chance and Bul to give Masaaba, I have set the ground.